‘I AM READY FOR ANY ROLE IN TELANGANA’
A normally reticent Legislative Affairs Minister D Sridhar Babu has, of late, emerged as a hero in Telangana for his no-nonsense approach regarding introduction of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Bill, 2013. He has earned accolades for taking a firm stand on the issue and sticking to it even in the face of tremendous pressure from the Seemandhra lobby.
He said the presiding officers of the Assembly will soon clear the air of confusion surrounding the debate on the Telangana bill. The Business Advisory Committee meeting of the Assembly would be held in the last week of the month to decide the modalities of the debate. The minister made it clear that though he was personally close to the Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy, he would not compromise on matters pertaining to the interests of the party and Telangana region.
In an interview with Metro India, he shared his views on the contentious issues. Excerpts of the interview:
Why is there so much of confusion on debate over Telangana bill?
Business Advisory Committee of the Assembly has taken a decision to table the bill. It has considered the mood of the floor leaders while taking the decision and the agenda was prepared.
The common opinion was that it is a special occasion that the bill has come from the President of India. The precedents say that all business should be set aside and the bill should be considered.
In consultation with the leader of the House, the Speaker has taken decision in favor debate in the Assembly. Except for one party all have agreed for the discussion. In such conditions, I do not understand where the confusion is.
Some Seemandhra leaders have stated that the discussion would not begin unless it was initiated..
It is the prerogative of the presiding officers to tell whether the discussion was initiated or not. Rather than the technicalities, spirit of the Constitution must be taken into consideration in such occasions.
Authors of the Constitution had foreseen such conditions and made it amply clear that in case of division only opinions are considered. The bill was sent as per the provisions of the Constitution.
The Chief Minister had said that bill was only tabled…?
The bill was on the agenda for three days. It makes it clear that the debate has been initiated. We feel that the bill was placed in the House, discussion was initiated and we are demanding continuation of the discussion.
However, I reiterate that the presiding officers shall take the final call on the issue and in my opinion Speaker’s decision would be final.
What is your response to the demands for voting on the bill and the clauses?
Voting on the clauses or on the bill would not have any effect and there is no point in demanding for voting. The bill is not in the domain of the Assembly.
The bill would be placed before the Parliament and MPs have the right to vote on the clauses. There are well laid-out rules, practices and precedents. We will consider the practice in the division of three States in the year 2000. We also examined the procedures being followed since 1956 when the State reorganisation was held.
As a Telangana protagonist, how would you see the present agitation by Seemandhra leaders?
I respect the sentiments of the Seemandhra people. I want that there should be debate on the issues, crises and problems in the event of the State bifurcation. The bill could be debated clause wise. The public representatives must express their opinions.
If they fail in this endeavor, it would be a great setback to the Seemandhra leaders. They must know that there would be a deemed effect on the bill. If the Assembly did not give its views, the same would be put in the report and the bill would be returned by January 23.
What about your equation with the Chief Minister in the backdrop of differences over Telangana issue?
I have close rapport with Chief Minister and the differences, if there are any, relate to certain principles. I give more importance to the sentiments of the people of my region before anything.
My endeavour is to see that a balance is maintained as Minister of Legislative Affairs and I would do it to the best of my abilities. In the last 14 years, I did not criticize anyone personally.
What would be your role in Telangana state?
My role in Telangana State would be the work of a humble Congressman. I want to see all-round development and prosperity in the new State. I want that Telangana State should achieve global acclaim and I will accept any role given by the party and will follow party discipline.
There are reports that your name is under consideration for Chief Minister’s post after formation of Telangana state. How do you respond?
Look, I am not an ambitious politician. My motive is to serve the people. I want that the thought should be shown in action. There are many leaders in Telangana who have experience and wisdom.
He said the presiding officers of the Assembly will soon clear the air of confusion surrounding the debate on the Telangana bill. The Business Advisory Committee meeting of the Assembly would be held in the last week of the month to decide the modalities of the debate. The minister made it clear that though he was personally close to the Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy, he would not compromise on matters pertaining to the interests of the party and Telangana region.
In an interview with Metro India, he shared his views on the contentious issues. Excerpts of the interview:
Why is there so much of confusion on debate over Telangana bill?Business Advisory Committee of the Assembly has taken a decision to table the bill. It has considered the mood of the floor leaders while taking the decision and the agenda was prepared.
The common opinion was that it is a special occasion that the bill has come from the President of India. The precedents say that all business should be set aside and the bill should be considered.
In consultation with the leader of the House, the Speaker has taken decision in favor debate in the Assembly. Except for one party all have agreed for the discussion. In such conditions, I do not understand where the confusion is.
Some Seemandhra leaders have stated that the discussion would not begin unless it was initiated..
It is the prerogative of the presiding officers to tell whether the discussion was initiated or not. Rather than the technicalities, spirit of the Constitution must be taken into consideration in such occasions.
Authors of the Constitution had foreseen such conditions and made it amply clear that in case of division only opinions are considered. The bill was sent as per the provisions of the Constitution.
The Chief Minister had said that bill was only tabled…?
The bill was on the agenda for three days. It makes it clear that the debate has been initiated. We feel that the bill was placed in the House, discussion was initiated and we are demanding continuation of the discussion.
However, I reiterate that the presiding officers shall take the final call on the issue and in my opinion Speaker’s decision would be final.
What is your response to the demands for voting on the bill and the clauses?
Voting on the clauses or on the bill would not have any effect and there is no point in demanding for voting. The bill is not in the domain of the Assembly.
The bill would be placed before the Parliament and MPs have the right to vote on the clauses. There are well laid-out rules, practices and precedents. We will consider the practice in the division of three States in the year 2000. We also examined the procedures being followed since 1956 when the State reorganisation was held.
As a Telangana protagonist, how would you see the present agitation by Seemandhra leaders?
I respect the sentiments of the Seemandhra people. I want that there should be debate on the issues, crises and problems in the event of the State bifurcation. The bill could be debated clause wise. The public representatives must express their opinions.
If they fail in this endeavor, it would be a great setback to the Seemandhra leaders. They must know that there would be a deemed effect on the bill. If the Assembly did not give its views, the same would be put in the report and the bill would be returned by January 23.
What about your equation with the Chief Minister in the backdrop of differences over Telangana issue?
I have close rapport with Chief Minister and the differences, if there are any, relate to certain principles. I give more importance to the sentiments of the people of my region before anything.
My endeavour is to see that a balance is maintained as Minister of Legislative Affairs and I would do it to the best of my abilities. In the last 14 years, I did not criticize anyone personally.
What would be your role in Telangana state?
My role in Telangana State would be the work of a humble Congressman. I want to see all-round development and prosperity in the new State. I want that Telangana State should achieve global acclaim and I will accept any role given by the party and will follow party discipline.
There are reports that your name is under consideration for Chief Minister’s post after formation of Telangana state. How do you respond?
Look, I am not an ambitious politician. My motive is to serve the people. I want that the thought should be shown in action. There are many leaders in Telangana who have experience and wisdom.
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