UPA's plan to introduce Telangana bill in RS runs into trouble
February 10, 2014  23:24

Anita Katyal reports from New Delhi: The UPA government's original plan to introduce the controversial Telangana Bill in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday has run into trouble following a disagreement between the Union law ministry and Finance Minister P Chidmabaram.   

 

The law ministry, it is learnt, has advised against tabling it in the Upper House on the grounds that the legislation has financial implications. It has suggested that the bill should be introduced and passed in the Lok Sabha first. However, it is learnt that Chidambaram does not agree with this contention.  

 

The government's top leaders brainstormed on the issue till late on Monday night but to no avail. The discussion is expected to continue on Tuesday. Till then, the Telangana bill is on hold.  

 

The UPA government wanted to introduce the legislation in the Rajya Sabha first as there is a better chance of getting it passed here because the number of anti-Telangana opponents in the Upper House is small as compared to the Lok Sabha.

 

Moreover, the bill will stay alive even if it is not passed in the Rajya Sabha.    On the other hand, it will lapse if the Lok Sabha is unable to pass the bill as the term of the Lower House is set to end.

 

This is the last session of the 15th Lok Sabha.

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