Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao today asserted that it was the prerogative of the State Government regarding formation of new districts in the State and that the Central Government has no say what-so-ever in this matter.
Intervening during the general discussion on the budget in the State Assembly, the Chief Minister declared this to the MIM Floor Leader Akbaruddin Owaisi, who wanted clarity with regard to the new districts based on a contradictory report aired by a TV channel.
Participating in the discussion, the MIM leader pointed out that as per the report of a TV channel, the Union government had not approved the formation of additional 21 districts to the existing 10 districts in the Telangana State. He further pointed out that as per the TV report, the Union Home Ministry also had issued a notice to the State Government to ensure that the total number of districts should not exceed 20 in the State and that if the State failed to comply it would be viewed seriously by the Centre and initiate necessary action. Hence, he sought a clarification from the State government in this regard.
The Chief Minister, who was present in the House, intervened immediately and quipped that such imaginary reports are aired by some media in their over enthusiasm to garner attention. Stating that there was no iota of truth in such reports, he declared that formation of districts does not come under the purview of the Central Government and that it was the prerogative of the State government only. He also made it clear that no notice has been received by the State from the Union Home Ministry in this regard. (NSS).