There is match fixing between Govt. and BJP regarding Telangana Bill: CPI (M)

Describing the passing of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Bill or Telangana Bill in the Lok Sabha as 'unconstitutional', senior Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) leader Sitaram Yechury on Tuesday alleged that there is a match fixing between the government and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) regarding the Bill.

"The way this Bill was passed is unconstitutional. We strictly oppose it," Yechury told media here today.

"It seems like a match fixing being done. The Parliamentary process and democratic structure is being abandoned by these two (Congress and BJP) parties. The democracy is fast becoming a casualty in their hands," he said.

Yechury also said that the CPI (M)'s stand on the Telangana Bill was very clear from the start but added that the party will respect the decision taken by Parliament.

"But without any discussion on the Bill and to pass it in such a way is not right," he added.

Earlier, the Lok Sabha passed the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Bill by voice vote, which proposes the formation of a new state of Telangana out of a united state of Andhra Pradesh.

Several members of parliament of the opposition parties like the Janata Dal (United), and the Trinamool Congress (TMC), however, decided to stage a walkout in protest over the manner in which the Bill was tabled and passed in the House.

Earlier today, the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Bill was moved by Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde for consideration and passage in the Lok Sabha.

At a meeting convened by Speaker Meira Kumar, Leader of the Opposition Sushma Swaraj had agreed with top ministers of the government that the bill has to be passed in Parliament.

Meanwhile, the Speaker has ordered live proceedings of the Lok Sabha to be stopped so as to avoid a repeat of last week's 'Pepper Spray incident' in front of the people.