AP CM to request Prez not to recommend T-Bill in Parliament

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy, his Cabinet colleagues and legislators from Seemandhra region will meet President Pranab Mukherjee in New Delhi on Wednesday to request him not to recommend the AP Reorganisation Bill for introduction in Parliament.

The President granted appointment to the Chief Minister and Seemandhra delegation at 12.30 PM on February 5, sources in the Chief Minister's Office said here.

The Chief Minister will be leaving for New Delhi tomorrow as he has reportedly been summoned by the Congress high command for a crucial meeting on the statehood issue, ostensibly to avoid an ugly scene in Parliament that will resume its winter session on the 5th.

The Chief Minister will also lead his party colleagues from Seemandhra planning to hold a 'deeksha' at Shakti Sthal, the samadhi of late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

"Indira Gandhi stood for an integrated state of Andhra Pradesh. Hence, we thought it appropriate to hold the deeksha at the Shakti Sthal," state School Education Minister S Sailajanath said.

Meanwhile, sources said the Chief Minister was mulling an option of moving the Supreme Court challenging the AP Reorganisation Bill.

He has reportedly consulted some legal and constitutional experts in New Delhi on the issue and is expected to take a call during his visit to the national capital.

Kiran Kumar dubbed the Bill not only as "incomprehensive", but also "violative of Parliamentary procedures and the Constitution of India".

He offered to "get away from politics" if the Bill was introduced in Parliament in the same form as it was referred to the state Legislature for its views.