Chandrababu Naidu Refuses To Accept Telangana Bill

Leader of the Opposition in Assembly N Chandrababu Naidu refused to buy the contention of Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy that Andhra Pradesh State Reorganisation Bill 2013 was tabled in the House without his active consent.

"If the Bill is unconstitutional and violative of rules, then why didn't you return it immediately," Naidu asked the CM while participating in the debate on the Bill in the State Legislative Assembly on Saturday.

He asked the CM to clarify as to who had sent the statistics and other relevant information to the Centre for drafting the Bill.

He said that if that information was sent without the CM's notice, then what action did he take against the concerned officials.

Responding to these remarks, Kiran Kumar said that he had asked the officials to furnish the information sought by the Centre, because it was an official matter.

"Furnishing the information sought by the Centre is the duty of the state government", he said.

However, he said that opposing the Bill is his political stance.

Continuing his speech, Naidu said that the Centre, President, Prime Minister and Parliament enjoy special powers granted by the Constitution.

But at the same time, they also have some limitations and all have to work under the constitution.

He said that he wouldn't accept the Bill as it is unconstitutional and also violated procedures, even though it has been sent by the President of the Nation.

He said that the Assembly has a right to send back the Bill which has mistakes and is against the Constitution.

Naidu made it clear that that the TDP wouldn't follow the dictation of the Centre with regard to the Telangana Bill.

He found fault with the CM for finding mistakes in the Bill 23 days after it was sent to the Assembly.

Further, he said that it is not the Speaker, but the CM who approached the Centre seeking extension of time to debate the Bill.

He also accused Kiran Kumar Reddy of merely acting as an agent between the Centre and people with regards to the Telangana Bill.

The TDP chief also condemned the criticism against him by the Congress and YSRCP and said that he would give a detailed reply on Monday.

He also alleged that the Assembly isn't functioning as per the protocol. (INN)