Proceedings in both Houses of Parliament were disrupted on Monday amid vociferous protests against the division of Andhra Pradesh. After several adjournments, Finance Minister P. Chidambaram informed the Rajya Sabha that a comprehensive note would be sent to the Cabinet regarding “substantive and procedural issues related to the new State [Telangana]”.
Besides the protests against Telangana, two persons from the Bodo region staged an agitation outside Parliament to press for the creation of Bodoland.
As MPs clamoured for a debate on Telangana, Mr. Chidambaram said:“…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.” The issues, he said, “will include, but not [be] limited to, sharing of river waters, generation and distribution of electricity, safety and security of all residents of all three regions, guarantee of fundamental rights of all residents, etc”.
Mr. Chidambaram said once the Cabinet decided on these matters, the House could have a structured discussion. “The government will welcome such a discussion at an appropriate time,” he said. Neither House was able to transact normal business as Andhra MPs shouted slogans and demanded justice for the people of the Seemandhra region.
In the Lok Sabha, TDP members were heard shouting, “we want justice”, and protesting against TRS chief K. Chandrasekar Rao’s reported remarks that officials who hailed from Seemandhra and worked in the Telangana region would have to go back.
