Hyderabad/New Delhi:
The controversial bill which creates a Telangana state by bifurcating Andhra Pradesh has been tabled by the government in the Rajya Sabha. The Centre might yet be able to ensure the bill is passed by tomorrow, the last day of this session, as, sources said, the ruling Congress and main opposition party the BJP have reached an agreement after prolonged discussions. The BJP has reportedly agreed not to press for changes to the bill that the Lok Sabha passed.
After chaos and repeated adjournments, the Rajya Sabha chairman has called an all-party meeting to ensure order in the house and full debate the crucial legislation.
Here are the top 10 developments in the story:
As Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde introduced the bill today, MPs from Telangana formed a human shield around him while those against the Telangana plan rushed into the well of the house and jostled with them to try and prevent the tabling. (Track LIVE updates)
The BJP is expected to move the amendments it wants in the house, but, under the reported agreement with the government, will not press for them. The party's main concern is that the Seemandhra region should be adequately compensated when Telangana is carved out.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is expected to intervene during the debate and assure the house that a financial package will be provided for Seemandhra, the non-Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh vehemently opposed to the split. He is also expected to promise more equitable distribution of benefits from the Polavaram irrigation project. (Read: In row over Telangana Bill, shut-up exchanges in Parliament)
Sources say Congress president and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi had requested the PM to give special category status to Seemandhra. This is being seen as an attempt to meet the BJP's demands half way.
The BJP, which helped pass the bill in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, has reportedly agreed not to insist on its demand for a constitutional amendment to empower a common governor to be custodian of security for the 10 years that the two states will share a common capital in Hyderabad. (Blog: What the nation did not see as the Telangana Bill was passed)
The Prime Minister met senior BJP leaders in the chamber of party veteran LK Advani to work out the reported agreement this morning. If the BJP does not press for changes the bill will not have to be sent back to the Lok Sabha after the Rajya Sabha passes it.
Some parties like the Trinamool Congress have opposed the bill. Trinamool MP Derek O' Brien said, "It was illegally passed by the Lok Sabha," referring to the hurried manner in which the bill was pushed through the lower house on Tuesday by voice vote amid a controversial TV blackout. The Trinamool had demanded division of votes.
The main bone of contention between the two regions is Hyderabad the thriving IT hub which will serve as a common capital before becoming the Telangana capital in 10 years. Seemandhra will then have to look for another capital - people in the region say no other city in Andhra Pradesh has the advantages that Hyderabad has.
The Congress wants to rush through the Telangana plan with an eye on political gains from the region in the national elections.
Kiran Kumar Reddy resigned from the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister's post yesterday in protest against the UPA government's decision to push the statehood bill. He also relinquished the membership of the state assembly and the Congress party. (Read more)
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