Powers to governor an insult to Telangana people: TRS chief

Demanding amendments in the draft bill for formation of Telangana state, the TRS Friday said certain powers proposed for the governor would be an insult to people of the region.

Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief K. Chandrasekhara Rao asked the central government not to infringe on powers of democratically elected government of Telangana.

Addressing a news conference, he said the TRS would not accept power of maintaining law and order in Hyderabad entrusted to the governor. He said such powers would make the governor a super council of ministers and pointed out that law and order is a state subject.

KCR, as Rao is popularly known, said he would write to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to seek changes in the bill when it comes before parliament.

The union cabinet Thursday approved draft Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Bill and the same was sent to President Pranab Mukherjee Friday with a request to refer it to Andhra Pradesh legislature.

Hyderabad will serve as common capital of the two states for 10 years. Under the bill, Telangana governor will have "special responsibility for the security of life, liberty and property of all those who reside in the common capital area".

KCR also found fault with certain other provisions relating to allocation of employees, distribution of liabilities and admissions into higher education institutions.

Hailing the draft bill, he said it was still not a time for celebration. "We will have celebrations only when the bill is passed by parliament," he added.