Telangana bill signed by Pranab and President rule imposed in Andhra Pradesh

The Andhra Pradesh reorganisation Bill that is intended to form Telangana state has reportedly got the approval of President Pranab Mukherjee on Saturday.

After Chief Minister Kiran Kumar Reddy resigned on February 19, Governor E S L Narasimhan had recommended central rule in the state. Kiran Kumar resigned as he was opposed to the division of the Andhra Pradesh state. Mukherjee also signed the recommendation to impose central rule in Andhra Pradesh

The Telangana state will have 10 districts, including the Hyderabad city while the rest of the 13 districts will be part of residuary Andhra Pradesh. Meanwhile the Andhra Pradesh Assembly is under suspended animation till June 2nd when it ends.

Despite strong opposition from Seemandhra leaders, the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Bill got the approval of Parliament on February 20. The approval of President has paved way for creation of the 29th state of Telangana by splitting Andhra Pradesh.

The concerns of the Seemandhra region were addressed by the government by granting Special Category Status to the state. A six-point development package has been announced for the two successor states including tax incentives to the Seemandhra region.

The reorganisation bill to create separate Telangana by splitting current state of Andhra Pradesh was passed in the just-concluded Winter Session by the Parliament on February 20.