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Bifurcation juggernaut hits a roadblock
Highlights
Division of Andhra Pradesh: Bifurcation Juggernaut Hits A Roadblock. For the past one hundred and ten days the people of Andhra Pradesh, particularly the Seema Andhra and coastal districts are fighting pitched battles to keep the state united.
For the past one hundred and ten days the people of Andhra Pradesh, particularly the Seema Andhra and coastal districts are fighting pitched battles to keep the state united. Be it legal, executive, sentimental cultural, financial, geo graphical--- you name it, anything under the sun which favors their argument to keep the Andhra united is being highlighted by the people not only to all of India but also to the entire world.
The beauty and the wonderful part of the entire saga is that every andhraite, deep down his heart cares immensely for his prosperous state, which was innately peaceful and remarkably resilient. The ruling political class in the capital of the country also seemed to be bent upon dividing the flourishing southern state for their selfish interest/motive, but cleverly camflouging it by so called intellectual/progressive reasons.
Now after number of meeting/parleys, of the designated Group of ministers,the congress and the people of Andhra Pradesh have understood in uncertain terms that bifurcation is not a cake walk or rather cutting cakes at birthday parties.
The first major hurdle, the so called versatile, political savvy, seasoned politicians, constituting the group of ministers encountered was ARTICLE 3 of the constitution. The second major one was ARTICLE 371D.
Coming back to the first issue--- article3 — which says that no Bill shall be introduced in either House of the Parliament except on the recommendations of the President and unless:
1) Where the proposal contained in the Bill affects the boundaries or name of the state, the views of legislature of the state have to be ascertained by the president.
2) where the proposal affects the boundaries or name of the state, the previous consent of the state to the proposal has to been obtained.
In layman terms it means that for reorganization of territorial Part I,e for dividing provinces of the state of india, consultations/Views are enough for the President to satisfy himself and recommend to the Parliament on the subject. For dividing a sovereign Indian state it is mandatory and appropriate for the president to obtain the Consent from the respective state legislature before satisfying himself and recommending it to the Parliament.
The key point in the entire Article is that Indian states are sovereign states and provinces are not sovereign states. Now, it becomes quite clear that state's legislature and council members' views as well as consent is absolutely required by the president before he satisfies himself and moves on to recommend to the Parliament. Given the present day situation, the state legislature as well as the council may never give consent to the bifurcation as almost all the people of 13 districts of andhra Pradesh ,stood up like a monolith block against the bifurcation of the state. The elected representatives of the people have also understood that whatever filthy corruptions/misdemeanors they do in their entire tenure of five years, the people tolerate, but if their own land is dissected, such an act will never be pardoned.
The second major hurdle is Article 371D. It deals with recruitment of local candidates through the zonal system. Here, the Attorney general of India has clearly stated that the Contentious article which was specifically introduced in the seventh schedule of the Constitution, has to be completely removed or repealed to move ahead with bifurcation of the state. He further added that the said article was enacted for purpose of providing equal opportunity to the entire state, it would be improper to apply to one part and ignore other part of the state after bifurcation takes place.
In a nutshell, he was driving at a constitutional amendment as well as presidential order, as mandatory requirement for effectively applying the article under the given circumstances. This very aspect looks remotely unimaginable/in executable given that the main opposition parties in parliament are smelling a rat in whatever the government does/is doing.
Above all, the chief minister of Andhra Pradesh, whom the political mandarins in Delhi, thought to be one more Yes-Man under their coterie,has turned out to be the biggest obstacle for their devious methods of division. He stood up like a beacon of light to the ordinary citizen as well as erudite class clearly speaking his mind out in many different circumstances/forums.
His clear-cut analysis of the entire gamut of the issues spanning from social, cultural, financial, geographical, ethical, security-wise, developmental, educational advancement etc clearly showcased him not just as a Level-headed politician, but as a statesman par excellence.
In spite of all the hurdles if the bifurcation Bill still reaches the State assembly the chief minister with the advise of the wise council of the right minded legislatures, should seek the opinion/views of all the legislators and pass a Resolution that a majority of legislators (who mirror the views of their people of their constituents) are utterly against the Bifurcation. He further should pass a resolution that a State whose GDP is on par with National GDP and whose is way ahead in industrial, educational, agricultural, service sector than the neighboring states, Doesn’t need any division at all at present state of time as well as in future..Further he can unequivocally state as head of a state that in a federal setup a state already formed/divided after independence should be reviewed/analyzed for any further division/bifurcation only after another 150 years(in the case of Andhra Pradesh it is 1-11-2106, as formation of the satewas done on 1-11-1956).
This moves though may look little crude and harsh, it not only insulates/protects the ordinary citizens from devious, cunning politicians but also creates harmonious climate for industrial investments, technological/educational progress, prudent use of all natural resources like water, minerals, flora and fauna in the generations to come. A wholesome development and marked progress in all spheres of life is possible only by togetherness and unification not by division or creating unnecessary clefts. This was proved right by mother nature whose cosmic laws still man has to surpass inspite of every scientific progress and advancement.. The basic axiom/bottom line Is--- live and let live with togetherness and peace.
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of our organisation.
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