Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao today asserted that it was the prerogative of the state government to decide on the creation of new districts in the state, and that the Central government had no say whatsoever in the matter.
Intervening during the general discussion on the budget in the state Assembly, the Chief Minister communicated this to the MIM Floor Leader Akbaruddin Owaisi, who wanted clarity with regard to the new districts after a report aired by a TV channel.
The MIM leader had said that as per the report of the TV channel, the union government had not approved the creation of the additional 21 districts in Telangana.
He further pointed out that as per the TV report, the Union Home Ministry also had issued a notice to the state government to ensure that the total number of districts did not exceed 20 in the state, and that if the state failed to comply it would be viewed seriously by the Centre and necessary action initiated.
Hence he said he was seeking a clarification from the state government in this regard.
The Chief Minister, who was present in the house, intervened immediately and quipped that such imaginary reports were being aired by some media houses in their over-enthusiasm to garner attention and TRPs.
Stating that there was not even an iota of truth in such reports, he categorically said that no such notice had been received by the state from the Union Home Ministry.
He also declared that formation of districts did not come under the purview of the Central government, and that it was the sole prerogative of the state governments.