Chief Minister Kiran Kumar Reddy, who remained incognita no and silent on the Telangana Bill since it was introduced in the Assembly, on Thursday expressed his views for the first time in the Legislative Council.
The Chief Minister said the bifurcation issue was a very sensitive and sentimental issue which needs to be thoroughly discussed within the frame work of set procedures and principles.
Asserting that the discussions on the T Bill should be in a calm and peaceful atmosphere, the Chief Minister wanted it to be done in tune with the procedures adopted during formation of new States earlier. He also said it was imperative not to indulge in provocative or emotional outbursts while expressing individual opinions by the members. Only through amicable discussions a solution to the issue could be evolved and members would also get a clarity in the matter, he said, and reminded about the formation of Uttarakhand and Jharkhand States.
Kiran Kumar pointed out there was no clarity yet on when and how the discussions on the T Bill should be taken up and if need be another BAC meeting should be convened to thrash out this. While debating the issue, members should take care in the usage of words and expressions in order to avoid hurting the sentiments of others, he added.
Intervening during the speech of the Chief Minister, the TDP Opposition leader in the Upper House Yanamala Ramakrishnudu pointed out that there was still no clarity on how and when the debate on the Bill should be taken up and even the Chief Minister’s speech did not have the needed clarity. He also faulted the Telugu copies of the Bill by stating that there were many inconsistencies in them.
Trouble broke out in the House when Congress member Yadava Reddy referred to the Bihar bifurcation and smoothly it had taken place. This triggered off loud protests from members from Seemandhra who stormed the podium and chanting slogans of “Jai Samaikyandhra” and “Save AP”. Amidst the noisy scenes, Chairman Chakrapani adjourned the House for an hour. (NSS)
