The government today fought to push its Telangana bill through the Lok Sabha, in the face of loud protests in Parliament against the plan to divide Andhra Pradesh to create a new state, which led to repeated disruptions. The ruling Congress is determined to see its proposal through, even if it means passing the bill in chaos without a discussion, but the main opposition BJP as well as Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar have objected to this.
Here are the 10 latest developments in this big story:
Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde presented the Bill for discussion in the Lok Sabha amid protests by anti-Telangana MPs. Both Houses were adjourned repeatedly due to the protests.
MPs had to walk to the Parliament building this morning with the main entrance blocked for vehicles. Their bags were checked and they have been barred from filming videos or taking photos in the house. Riot police have been deployed. (Track LIVE updates)
The Speaker will decide on whether lawmakers will also be frisked or subjected to a body scan. Last week, Congress MP L Rajagopal carried a pepper spray to the House and used it on his colleagues.
The BJP, whose support is crucial to pass it, says it backs the move to create Telangana, but has warned the Centre that the Bill cannot be passed in chaos and without the presence of all stakeholders in the House.
These lawmakers, and leaders like Chief Minister Kiran Kumar Reddy, belong to the Seemandhra region of Andhra Pradesh, which opposes the bifurcation; it is worried about a smaller share of water, power and revenue from Telangana once the new state is created. The Chief Minister will resign tomorrow, say sources. (Read)
YSR Congress chief Jagan Mohan Reddy, an MP, has positioned himself as the voice of Seemandhra. He staged a dharna yesterday and courted arrest in Delhi. Today, he is leading the protest at Ramlila Maidan where government officers are among hundreds of protesters.
The BJP's calibrated stand on the Telangana Bill is being seen as linked to its growing proximity to the TDP's Chandrababu Naidu, who too is opposed to the division of Andhra Pradesh. Sources say BJP is looking at Telugu Desam Party as a possible post-election ally in the south and might not want to antagonize him.
The main opposition party has denied that it has an understanding with the government that will allow the latter to pass the Bill today through expected chaos. A party meeting of BJP lawmakers held every Tuesday was cancelled this morning to allow top party leaders to discuss the Telangana strategy.
The government has reportedly offered to move official amendments to ensure that some of BJP's demands are met - like sharing revenue from the joint capital of Hyderabad. The BJP says it wants all amendments it has sought to secure Seemandhra's interests.
The Congress' central ministers from Seemandhra met the BJP yesterday, to request it not to support the division of the state, which the Congress hopes will bring it rich electoral dividends from the Telangana region in the national elections.
