JOIN US Discussion on Telangana bill in Rajya Sabha on Thursday only displayed an attempt on the part of political parties to position themselves ahead of elections before their respective constituencies.
They were at times incoherent and inconsistent with regard to their stated positions. Actor-turned-politician Chiranjeevi appeared to have played most impressively by opposing the bill while staying in the Cabinet.
Others did the same thing. Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders showed tough opposition to the bill only to give the message that they would not allow carving out of Gorkhaland from West Bengal. It might be also linked to the national ambition of TMC leader Mamata Banerjee.
Janata Dal-United leaders went to the Well and shouted with all their might for a special package to Bihar to compensate for the loss it had to suffer because of formation of Jharkhand.
The main Opposition, BJP wanted to have a win-win situation that both the people of Seemandhra and Telangana should take them to be friendly. It repeatedly declared that it supports Telangana but wants Seemandhra to regain everything it has lost. The party appeared to be obstructing the bill at times. The possibility of alliance with TDP was also on the back of its mind.
Tourism Minister Chiranjeevi opposed the bill in its present form and sought amendments to take care of both Telangana and Seemandhra regions.
“Being a Congressman speaking against my own party is painful. I am talking on behalf of all Telugu people and not of any one region. All Telugu people made me what I am today...
“We must pause for a moment and think. The issue is livelihood of 11 crore Telugu people. I am pained people are deprived of their basic rights. I feel heartbroken. We have to respect emotions of people...anxiety of Seemandhra people,” the actor read the script.
“All of a sudden CWC announced the decision (on Telangana formation), everyone was shocked. Except for chief minister, no leader from the region was consulted,” Chiranjeevi said, adding no discussion was held even after several committees including the A K Antony Committee and GoM were constituted.