Despite full cooperation from the principal Opposition, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the first day of the Monsoon session witnessed repeated adjournments.
The Prime Minister had requested the Opposition’s cooperation to hold the proceedings in a peaceful manner. But, the decision on Telangana foiled the Government’s peace efforts. It was the Congress members from Andhra Pradesh who raised slogans, forcing adjournment in the Lok Sabha.
In Rajya Sabha, two members of the Telugu Desam Party ensured suspension of the House. Some MPs raised slogans demanding separate States of Gorkhaland and Bodoland in both the Houses.
The BJP accused the Congress of doublespeak. “The say something and do something else. Congress was responsible for the disruptions. We are ready for debates,” BJP spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain said.
Admitting that its members had indulged in disruptions, Congress spokesperson Meem Afzal said the leadership would try and ensure peace in the House. Defence Minister A.K Antony held meetings with the MPs from Seemandhra region and is learnt to have told them not to disrupt the House.
Congress General Secretary Digvijaya Singh is also talking to the MPs from the region.
Reiterating its position to bifurcate Andhra Pradesh, the Government said the Home Ministry would bring a comprehensive note for the Cabinet containing both substantive and procedural issues.
“In the matter relating to the separate State of Telangana, the Constitution of India lays down a procedure for formation of new States. Besides, a number of substantive matters have to be addressed with the formation of new State. These matters are under consideration of the Government,” Finance Minister P. Chidambaram told the Rajya Sabha.
The issues before the Cabinet, Chidambaram said, would include sharing of river waters, generation and distribution of electricity, safety and security of residents of all three regions, guarantee of fundamental rights of all residents, etc. He said once the Government takes decisions on such issues, the House can hold a structured discussion on the subject.
The BJP interpreted this statement as a strategy by the Government to delay the process. “Congress has no commitment and announced Telangana for electoral reasons. I suspect this strategy will not work. They will end up as losers in both regions,” Opposition leader in Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley said.