Members of Parliament from Telangana raised slogans in the Lok Sabha on Monday to protest against the Centre’s directive to the State government giving special powers to the Governor to ensure law and order in Hyderabad. Even as some of the Members cited it as a “Constitutional violation”, Union Home Minister, Rajnath Singh assured the MPs that the States’ rights will be protected.
As soon as the House convened, TRS sought an adjournment of the Question Hour, which was declined by Speaker Sumitra Mahajan. But the MPs trooped into the Well of the House and raised slogans. Later, TRS leader Jitendra Reddy speaking during Zero Hour said the letter from the Home Ministry has come as a surprise.
He said, in the letter, the Union Home Ministry has given the powers of law and order to the Governor, which amount to imposition of Governor's rule and taking away the power of the State. Mr. Reddy said instead of giving support to the 10-week old Telangana State, the Centre has issued harsh directions.
AIMIM’s Asaduddin Owaisi also joined in and said the Centre’s move is “unconstitutional”.
The Home Minister, however, clarified that the Central directive was as per the Section 8 of the provision of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act which gives special responsibility to the Governor to protect life, liberty and property of those living in common capital of Hyderabad. The Minister said the section specifies that it will be the responsibility of Governor to protect residents of common capital of Hyderabad and that the Government is aware of the Centre-State relations and the need to maintain healthy relations. The Home Minister said the Act says the Governor will consult the Council of Ministers of Telangana and exercise his individual judgement while taking any action.
He said that what the Centre has issued an advisory and has not violated the Act in any manner.
