Ascertaining that the Bill for creation of Telangana could not be introduced in forthcoming Monsoon Session, Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde on Thursday said the entire process of bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh was expected to complete in six months. He also ruled out the possibility of the Centre heeding to other Statehood demands.
“No, not in this session. I do not think it will come so soon. May be, by next session,” said the Home Minister. Shinde said creating a new State normally takes a period of eight to nine months but the Government would try its best to do it as early as possible. “May be five and half months to six months. May be earlier than that,” he said replying to a volley of questions on when Telangana will come into existence.
Asked whether Hyderabad will be the joint capital for both the States for more than 10 years, the Home Minister said the Congress Working Committee has taken a decision in this regard but clarity on the issue will come once the Union Cabinet meets and discusses the Telangana issue. He parried questions on the total number of districts that would be in Telangana State. The CWC decided 10 districts in the new State.
Shinde also appealed to the protesters in Andhra region as well as other protesters for creation of Gorkhaland and Bodoland for maintaining law and order. “People can agitate. But that should be peaceful. There is a consensus on Telangana. We respect all groups’ right for raising the demands. There are some demands for bifurcating some states into five regions… But the protests should be in democratic manner. Violence is not an answer. I am appleaing all to maintain peace and harmony,” he said.