The proceedings in the Andhra Pradesh Assembly and the Indian Parliament regarding the creation of Telangana involved significant discussions, debates, and legislative actions. Here’s an overview of key events and developments during these proceedings:
Andhra Pradesh Assembly Proceedings
Demand for Telangana:
- The demand for a separate Telangana state was a longstanding issue in the Andhra Pradesh Assembly, with various parties advocating for or against the bifurcation over the years.
- In the late 2000s, as protests intensified, discussions on the demand became more frequent.
December 2009 Resolution:
- On December 9, 2009, following the announcement by then Home Minister P. Chidambaram regarding the initiation of the process for Telangana's formation, the Andhra Pradesh Assembly was in a state of turmoil.
- The announcement led to mixed reactions, with pro-Telangana leaders expressing support while Seemandhra representatives voiced their opposition.
Assembly Debates:
- Several debates took place in the Assembly, where members expressed their views on the implications of bifurcation, economic development, and governance in the context of both Telangana and Seemandhra.
- The Assembly witnessed emotional speeches, protests, and walkouts from various political factions, reflecting the deep divisions on the issue.
Parliamentary Proceedings
Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Bill:
- The crucial legislative step towards the formation of Telangana was the introduction of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Bill in Parliament in 2013.
- The bill aimed to facilitate the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh and the creation of Telangana as a separate state.
Parliamentary Debates:
- The bill was debated in both Houses of Parliament, where members presented their arguments for and against the bifurcation. Key discussions included issues such as resource allocation, water sharing, and the future of the residual Andhra Pradesh.
- The bill received support from several political parties, particularly those representing Telangana, while opposition came primarily from Seemandhra representatives.
Voting on the Bill:
- The Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Bill was passed by both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha in February 2014, amidst protests from some members.
- The voting was marked by intense debates and passionate pleas from members of Parliament about the necessity and implications of creating a separate state.
Presidential Assent:
- After passing through Parliament, the bill received the President’s assent on March 1, 2014, officially recognizing Telangana as the 29th state of India, effective from June 2, 2014.
Key Issues Discussed
Economic Concerns: Discussions in both the Assembly and Parliament focused on the economic implications of bifurcation, particularly regarding resource allocation, revenue sharing, and the financial viability of both states.
Social Impact: The social and cultural implications of the bifurcation were also a major topic, including concerns about the welfare of various communities, employment opportunities, and potential communal tensions.
Development Needs: The need for special development packages for both Telangana and residual Andhra Pradesh was emphasized, with calls for the central government to ensure equitable growth for both regions.
Conclusion
The proceedings in the Andhra Pradesh Assembly and the Indian Parliament regarding the Telangana issue were characterized by passionate debates and deep divisions among political factions. Ultimately, the legislative process culminated in the successful creation of Telangana, marking a significant moment in Indian political history. The discussions highlighted the complexities of regional aspirations and the challenges of governance in a diverse and populous nation.