A seperate state of Telangana is finally a reality. With the BJP not insisting on a division on its amendments, the Rajya Sabha on 20th February passed the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Bill, 2014 to create India’s 29th state by a voice vote, amid protests by regional parties led by the Trinamool Congress and Shiv Sena, forcing multiple adjournments, walkouts and an unprecedented expression of dissent by a union minister.
The Rajya Sabha took up the Bill after the BJP agreed to the government’s suggestion that its demands for a financial commitment to Seemandhra would be reflected in a statement that the Prime Minister would make in the Upper House. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh announced a six-point package for the residuary state of Andhra Pradesh, including special category status for five years and tax incentives to promote industrialisation and boost economic growth in both the states.
The Left alleged “match fixing” between the BJP and Congress, and walked out before the passage of the Bill. The DMK, JD(U) and BJD members also left the House separately during the course of the debate, after their leaders opposed the division.
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