Extension for Telangana Bill unlikely

• Question of extension comes only when there is serious discussion in the Assembly
• Objections raised by members will be addressed by Parliament
• Centre readying to bring T Bill in Parliament in the next session

New Delhi: Extension to the timeframe stipulated to the Andhra Pradesh Assembly for considering the Telangana Bill seems unlikely. The time granted is up to January 23. It is for the President to consider the issue, which appeared to be unlikely.

It is being pointed out that the issue of extension arises where there is a serious discussion in progress and more time is sought in the regard. Considering that the discussion has failed to take off makes it very unlikely to get any further extension, it is stated.

According to sources in the Union Home Ministry, the Centre is readying itself for bringing the Telangana Bill in the next session of Parliament. The Home Ministry is working to the schedule it has drawn up for itself earlier. The original schedule was that if the Telangana Bill comes back by the last week of January, then the Centre could complete all the formalities and take the Telangana Bill in the first week of February.

The Centre is clear that the objections raised by some MLAs in Andhra Pradesh Assembly about the Telangana Bill will be addressed only in Parliament. So far, some of the Seemandhra legislators have raised the demands that there is no statement of Aims and Objects and that there is no Financial Memorandum. A demand is being voiced that the Telangana Bill should be returned to the Centre to make good the shortcomings and sent back to the Andhra Pradesh for its considerations.

Such a possibility has been virtually ruled out. It is being pointed out that it is for Parliament to address the issues. The State Assembly is required only to send in its comments and the Centre will not rework the same, as sought by some legislators.