It seems that the Centre is not in a mood to extend time to continue debate on Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Bill 2013, whose deadline ending January 24. According to information, the President Pranab Mukherjee will respond on Thursday about the time extension sought by Chief Minister, N Kiran Kumar Reddy and a majority of Seemandhra leaders. Kiran Reddy and Seemandhra leaders invited a wrath from the Centre for failing to make use of six weeks of time given by the President Pranab Mukherjee for debate.
But most of the time was not used due to continuous disruptions by Seemandhra leaders against bifurcation. The Centre which is keenly watching is not willing to give more time, sources said. Some of the arguments went on in the lobbies that Chief Minister will deliver his speech only in case of the President denies time extension. Despite repeated pleas for and against time extension, the President is expected to give his view only after legal opinion. There is also a chance for one week time extension if Rajya sabha elections are kept in view, it is learnt. On the other hand Telangana leaders irrespective of party lines wrote two letters to the first citizen of India against time extension. Though one month was sought by Kiran Reddy for continuing the debate the Center is reluctant in this regard, sources said.
Majority of the Ministers and legislators were seen talking on the time extension whose decision was awaited. While some leaders felt that two weeks will be given, other leaders opined that only one week may be given keeping Rajya Sabha elections to the state in view on February 7. Integrationist MP, L Rajagopal said that the Center will give two weeks time. He also said that KIran Reddy will talk on the debate if the Center denies more time. While Telangana Minister DK Aruna opined that the Center may not give more time for debate. Since there is no need of extension of time and views can be sent to the President by January 23, she said. (NSS)