BJP insists on changes in T-bill
HYDERABAD: Senior BJP leader and Rajya Sabha member M Venkaiah Naidu has said the Centre must accept the amendments to the T-bill proposed by his party and address the concerns of Seemandhra for the passage of the bill in the Rajya Sabha.
Speaking to reporters, Naidu said the BJP had proposed a few amendments to the T-bill, which are very important and essential for doing justice to the people of Seemandhra while dividing the state.
'We have supported the bill in the Lok Sabha as the situation was different there. But, it is different in the Rajya Sabha and we want the government to consider the amendments proposed by us,' he remarked.
'Today, myself and leader of opposition in Rajya Sabha Arun Jately met prime minister Manmohan Singh and other top leaders of the Congress, including Sushil Kumar Shinde, Kamalnath and Jairam Ramesh, and discussed the passing of the bill in the Rajya Sabha.
They accepted that our proposal is good, but they fear if amendments are done, then they have to be debated in the Lok Sabha too, and the bill may get held up there. But, we have given them assurance that the BJP will support the bill in the Lok Sabha and see that it is passed without any hurdle,' he disclosed.
'We told the prime minister that the BJP was committed to Telangana statehood and would not deviate from its stand. But, we want the Centre to address the concerns of the people of Seemandhra and do justice to them. There are many issues, including the status of Hyderabad, which have to be addressed,' he said.
He said they were demanding special package for Seemandhra and wanted the government to allocate funds in the budget, for which they have sought some time.
'Had the process of division started two years ago and addressed all concerns of people of both the regions, this situation would not have been like this,' he added.
News Posted: 20 February, 2014
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