As expected Group of Ministers’(GoM) meeting held at War Room in New Delhi’s North Block today approved the Telangana Bill to bifurcate the state of Andhra Pradesh. Later, it referred the bill with some amendments to Union Cabinet for an examination, which is a formality, on February 6. Subsequently, it will be sent to the President Pranab Mukhejee on 7, according to information. Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde will present the same in Rajya Sabha on Feb 10. It is likely that the Lok Sabha will approve it the following day. Thus, unmindful of stiff resistance from Chief Minister N KIran Kumar Reddy and Seemandhra leaders of all political parties, the Center expedited its steps to keep its promise on Telangana. Interestingly, Seemandhra Union Ministers who stiffly opposed the bifurcation participated in the meeting including Kavuri Sambasiva Rao, MM Pallam Raju, Kotla Suyaprakash Reddy, Panabaka Lakshmi. They are said to have handed over a five page note related to a resolution rejecting the bill to Shinde. It is learnt they have sought the Chairman not to recommend the bill for introduction in the Parliament.
However, the meeting made amendments to appease the political parties, according to sources. Sushil Kumar Shinde chaired the meeting attended by ministers such as Veerappa Moily, Jairam Ramesh, Ghulam Nabi Azad and Kamal Nath.
Later talking to media Shinde said that it was the last meeting and there will not be any more meetings further. Since the meeting approved the bill the Parliament will pass during winter session, Shinde asserted. The Cabinet will examine it and then the Parliament will take it up for passing the same, he stated. Jairam Ramesh said that the meeting has made some amendments in the bill. However, he refused to divulge the same. Ghulam Nabi Azad also spoke in same tone that they will introduce the bill in Parliament session soon. While Finance Minister, P Chidambaram did not turn up, Jairam Ramesh is giving final touches to the bill. (NSS)
