TRS seeks non-NDA support to oppose powers to governor

TRS is mobilising support of non-NDA parties to oppose the central government's decision to entrust special powers to the Telangana governor for maintaining law and order in Hyderabad.

The Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) in Telangana Sunday began efforts to rope in parties like AIADMK, Trinamool Congress, Biju Janta Dal and Janata Dal-United.

Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao spoke to his Tamil Nadu counterpart J. Jayalalithaa over phone and sought AIADMK's support in opposing the central government's move.

KCR, as Rao is popularly known, also telephoned West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to enlist their support, TRS sources said.

The TRS chief explained to his counterparts how the central government is bypassing an elected government to give special powers to the governor. Stating that law and order is a state subject, he termed Delhi's move an affront to federalism.

KCR also requested the leaders of non-NDA parties to support TRS in raising the issue in parliament.

Earlier, he held a meeting with his party MPs to chalk out a strategy to protest in both houses of parliament Monday.

A.P. Jithender Reddy, one of the MPs, said they will give a notice for adjournment motion on the issue. He said the party was in touch with various regional parties for their support.

KCR Saturday wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to withdraw the decision immediately.

The union home ministry Friday sent a letter to the state government, suggesting various norms to hand over special responsibilities to the governor for maintaining law and order in Hyderabad.

Reacting strongly, the TRS government rejected the move. Chief Secretary Rajiv Sharma wrote back to the home ministry, saying the norms can't be implemented.