Diggy’s U-turn on T Bill vote

New Delhi: The AICC General Secretary in charge of Andhra Pradesh, Digvijay Singh, on Friday made a U-turn on his views on Telangana Bill.

A day after claiming that the Telangana Bill was sent to Andhra Pradesh Assembly, not to be either “passed or rejected,” but only for its comments and as such it did not entail voting, Singh said that he was a democrat and was in favour of a vote.

Reacting to the Notice of Privilege Motion, he said he was open to appearing before the Andhra Pradesh Assembly and explaining his remarks and, if proved, he was even ready to apologise for it. Soon after his statement in the capital, moves were afoot for a Privilege Motion against his remarks. Caught on the wrong foot, the Congress leader now signalled his readiness to make amends.

The change in his position is being seen in the political circles to ensure that the sentiments in the Seemandhra region are not hurt. All along, the Congress leadership is worried over the delay in the debate being started in the Assembly. Now that the debate has got under way, the Congress leaders want to be cautious and do not want to say anything that would upset the delicate balance that has enabled the commencement of the debate.

Singh is apparently mindful of the fact that since the debate has got under way, it would help the entire process get political legitimacy. It would be very odd if no meaningful debate takes place in the Assembly before it is taken up for passing in the next session of Parliament. Now that the debate has started, the Congress wants to encourage the process.