Will Telangana State become a reality before the 2014 general electionsIJ The oft-repeated question has once again become the subject of animated discussion in the political circles as the opponents of bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh were making every possible effort to further delay the process by seeking more time from the President of India for the debate on the draft Bill in the State legislature.
The proponents of Telangana State on the other hand were opposing any extension beyond January 23.A day after Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy wrote to the President of India seeking four more weeks' time to complete the debate on the Bill covering all the complexities of the issue, Telangana Ministers also faxed a letter to the President opposing any extension.
The Chief Minister in his letter to the President pointed out that the debate on the Bill will require more time as several festivals delayed the entire process of debate.
The President had set a 42-day deadline but the State legislature could not debate the Bill as the proceedings were disrupted for many days by the Seemandhra members opposing the bifurcation.
Apart from the Chief Minister, State Chief Secretary PK Mohanty also wrote another letter to the Union Home Ministry seeking extension of deadline. The Home Ministry has forwarded the letter to the President for his consideration.
Several leaders from Telangana region have also written to the President seeking his appointment to urge him not to extend the deadline. With only three days left for the conclusion of the debate in the legislature, all the eyes were on the President to see whether he agrees with the request of the Seemandhra leaders and the Chief Minister that the debate needs more time.
Telangana leaders on the other hand were apprehensive that this was an attempt to derail the entire process and stall the formation of Telagnana state before the forthcoming elections.