Andhra Pradesh Governor seeks clarity on special responsibilities

Hyderabad: Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan wrote to the Union government, seeking clarification on his “special responsibilities” in the common capital, after the two states will be formed.

In the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, the Union government said that in the common capital of Hyderabad, the Governor will have special responsibilities regarding law and order, internal security and protection of assets. But some political parties like the TRS and the MIM have opposed for giving special “powers” to the Governor.

The AP Reorganisation Act say, in the common capital, in law and order and internal security and some other issues, the Governor will have to act in consultation with Telangana state Chief Minister, but the Governor’s decision will be the final.

To get more clarity the Governor wrote to the Union government to explain the special responsibilities. It is expected that the Union Home Ministry will send clarification in two or three days. The Union minister, Jairam Ramesh, speaking to media at Gandhi Bhavan on Saturday said the Governor want more clarification on his responsibilities in the common capital. He said the Governor will be given responsibilities, not powers.

Meanwhile, the Governor wrote to the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and the High Court asking to take steps to establish two High Courts for the two states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

Mr Jairam Ramesh said in the issue of establishing High Courts, the state or central governments have no power only the Supreme Court and High Court have the power. The Union minister expressed the hope that the two High Courts may start functioning within a few months.