In a move that may stir up a hornet's nest, Union Government is contemplating to make few amendments to the "controversial" Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act 2014. Centre may take up the issue during the forthcoming budget session of Parliament. Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu on Sunday hinted the same to media. "Regarding amendments in AP Reorganisation Act 2014, we are going to talk to both the state governments (Andhra Pradesh and Telangana) and elected representatives on various issues and move forward. Informally talks happened recently on issues like number of seats of Legislative Council and employees' division," said Parliamentary Affairs Minister. "Only after a broad consensus is arrived on various issues the Central government will take up the amendments," he added.
Referring to recent dispute between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana over water sharing of Nagarjuna Sagar dam and it's being resolved by the respective states' Chief Ministers Chandrababu Naidu and KCR, Venkaiah Naidu expressed his content and said it's "good thing". "Both the Chief Ministers should sort out the differences. The focus should be on development and the Centre will extend all its support to both the states," Vennkaiah said.
Asked about the demand for special category status to successor state of Andhra Pradesh, he said, "It is under consideration of the Centre. Certain issues are being worked out." Indicating that amendments would be introduced in the forthcoming Parliament session, Venkaiah corroborated, "On some issues it might come...based on the duration of the budget session. There will be discussions on new Bills and Ordinances in the budget session of Parliament. Tomorrow a meeting of different ministries is scheduled on what Bills they seek to introduce. It should be seen if there is sufficient space and duration with regard to introducing amendments in the AP Reorganisation Bill," Venkaiah clarified.
With the latest statement of Venkaiah, temperatures of political atmosphere on either states raised yet again and people are anxious on their toes. Will it be resolved amicably? Or Will it further widen the gap between two states?
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