New CMs have to wait for swearing-in

HYDERABAD: Elections are over in the State and the counting will take place on May 16, but the chief ministers have to wait for 16 more days for the swearing-in.

This is because the Appointed Day is June 2 and the chief ministers of the two successor states will have to wait till that day. They can take the oath of office only on or after June 2, official sources said.

'If both they consider June 2 as an auspicious day, they can be sworn-in on that day, or any other day convenient to them after June 2,' sources said.

It may be recalled that the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) moved the High Court to advance the Appointed Day from June 2 to May 16. With the results scheduled to be announced on May 16, the new government could be in place any day after May 16 if the Appointed Day is advanced.

This is the contention of the TRS. However, the High Court wanted the petitioners--TRS leaders--to consult the Central government in this matter.

However, the possibility of advancing the Appointed Day appears bleak, sources said. This is because the division work will continue till May 25, as per the latest schedule announced by the State government.

Though, Governor ESL Narasimhan set May 15 as the deadline for completing the work, the Central government has to issue orders dividing the State cadre employees and All India Services officers.

Without completing the division work, the Centre may not advance the Appointed Day. 'We have decided to consult the chief ministers-designate on any division related work.

Once, the election results are announced on May 16, we will know that which party will form the government in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana and who will be the chief ministers. We will consult and take their advice. There will be no problem,' said an official involved with the State reorganisation work.

Even, the Central government is likely to consult the chief ministers-designate of both AP and Telangana with regard to appointment of new DGPs and chief secretaries.

Even if the Centre decides to advance the Appointed Day, it could still get delayed as the the new prime minister has to assume office and decide policy matters, sources added.

The Consolidated Fund of Telangana and AP will come into existence from the midnight of June 1. So, the advancement of Appointed Day may not be possible, sources added.

'We will see how the Centre reacts to the representation by TRS to advance the appointed day,' sources added.