Andhra Pradesh CM Kiran unlikely to face disciplinary action for notice
New Delhi: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy is unlikely to face disciplinary action for issuing a notice for moving a motion in the state Assembly for returning the bill for creation of separate Telangana.
Congress gave a clear indication to this effect with party General Secretary Mukul Wasnik remarking that no whip has been issued by the party in the Assembly and all members are free to express their views.
Wasnik's remarks came at the AICC briefing during his maiden appearance as one of the senior spokesman of the party when he was asked a number of questions including whether Congress would initiate action against Reddy.
He was also asked whether the party considered the move by the chief minister as going against the resolution of the Congress Working Committee which has decided to carve out separate Telangana out of Andhra Pradesh. Reddy is from the Rayalseema region and has for several times advocated the cause of United Andhra Pradesh.
"The matter (the bill) is before the Assembly and I understand some 85 MLAs have so for expressed their opinion. Party has not given any whip. President has extended the session till Jan 30. 8,000 amendments have been suggested...," Wasnik said in reply to questions.
With the state divided on regional lines on the issue of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh is witnessing strange spectacle a number of times. In an unusual event, ministers hailing from Telangana region today trooped in the Well of the Legislative Assembly and raised slogans against the Chief Minister.
They were demanding that the Speaker reject the notice issued by Reddy for moving a resolution to return the AP Reorganisation Bill to the Centre. Reddy had on Saturday questioned the very validity of the Bill saying it was violative not only of Parliamentary procedures but also the Constitution.
Congress high command is often maintaining that it was committed for the formation of separate Telangana. The second phase of the winter session of Parliament is commencing on Feb 5 and is the last session of the 15th Lok Sabha.
