Kamal Nath mum on T Bill

New Delhi: Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath on Wednesday chose to remain mum on the Telangana Bill, as it is presently under the consideration of the Andhra Pradesh Assembly. Besides, the issue of extension of timeframe originally stipulated till January 23 is something for President Pranab Mukherjee to take a call.

Interacting with media persons on the sidelines of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in the capital, Kamal Nath said, “We are going to have the session of Parliament in the first fortnight of February. As it has been the convention, we will have the session of about 15 days or 10 sittings. We are still deciding on the business.”

According to sources, the Government is waiting for the final picture to emerge after January 23, so that the Centre can process the Telangana Bill and bring it to Parliament in the next session. Mindful of the delicacy that it is the prerogative of the President to take a call on whether or not to give extension of time, the Parliamentary Affairs Minister is understood to have chosen to remain tight-lipped on Telangana Bill.

Sources stated that the Government is keen to bring in the Telangana Bill, as it would be the last opportunity for the Government to deliver on its promise to create Telangana, as promised in the Congress Election Manifesto.

The simultaneous Andhra Pradesh Assembly and Parliament elections are expected to commence anytime in March and conclude by mid-May. Before the election process begins, the Government has to ensure passing of the Telangana Bill.

• Parliament to meet in the first fortnight of Feb
• Picture will be clear after Jan 23 when AP Assembly returns the Bill
• Prez has to take a call on extension of timeframe