Special powers to Telangana governor on hold: Centre

The central government has assured TRS MPs that the home ministry's directive for special powers to Telangana governor for maintaining law and order will be kept in abeyance.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh has agreed to convene a meeting with the MPs from the state Aug 18 to resolve the issue.

"He has assured that till then, the orders will be kept in abeyance," Vinod Kumar, one of the MPs of Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) told reporters after a meeting with Rajnath Singh in the national capital.

The MPs met the minister after raising issue in the Lok Sabha. They urged the central government to withdraw the directive, granting special powers over law and order in Hyderabad to the governor.

On Rajnath Singh's clarification that the norms suggested by the ministry are in accordance with the Andhra Pradesh Bifurcation Act 2014, Vinod Kumar said the legislation merely mentions the governor will have special powers to deal with any hate crime.

"But the central government has given powers to the governor to call for reports from police, even post and transfer police officials," the MP said, reiterating this was against the spirit of federalism.

The home ministry last Friday communicated to the Telangana government that the governor will have the final say in all matters of law and order, including transfer of top police officers in greater Hyderabad area. It also suggested 13 norms.

The TRS government, however, refused to implement the norms saying the governor has to act on the advice of the council of ministers.

Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao also sent a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to withdraw the orders. Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh cabinet in its meeting here Monday decided to create an awareness among people about the provisions of the Bifurcation Act, especially those relating to special powers to governor.

The cabinet also decided to draw Telangana government's attention to the relevant provisions. Andhra Pradesh Finance Minister Y. Ramakrishnudu alleged that Telangana chief minister, who played a key role in drafting the bifurcation bill, is now creating controversies by opposing the act passed by parliament.