KCR seeks changes in draft Telangana Bill

Telangana Rashtra Samithi president K Chandrasekhar Rao on Tuesday wrote a letter to Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh seeking changes in the draft Andhra Pradesh Re-organisation Bill cleared by the Union Cabinet.

In his letter, KCR contended that the Law and Order issue should be in control of the proposed Telangana Government. He said that the any government not having control over Law and Order machinery in the State Capital would lose respect in the eyes of public.

Speaking to media persons at Telangana Bhavan here, KCR described the proposed powers to the governor for maintaining law and order in Hyderabad as an ‘unconstitutional provision’.

In his 14-page letter, the TRS president said that he sought amendment in clauses pertaining to sharing of energy, river waters, government employees, payment of pensions to retired employees and other aspects. He demanded setting up a separate High Court for Telangana against the proposal of common High Court for both successor states.

KCR also demanded enhancement in the number of Rajya Sabha seats allotted to Telangana, dividing pensioners on the basis of their nativity, making outstanding public debt project-specific against the proposal of apportioning on the basis of population. Andhra employees working in Telangana region, in violation of Presidential Order, 1975 shall serve in residuary state of Andhra Pradesh.

The TRS president said that the Telangana employees, presently working in Andhra region should be permitted to opt for Telangana state, if they so desire, he said.

When asked about the No Confidence Motion moved by the Seemandhra MPs, KCR said that the motion is not likely to be taken up as it lacks required numbers. Regarding, TRS party's merger with the Congress, he said he would discuss about it after the Telangana Bill gets passes in both the Houses of Parliament.