Seemandhra, T leaders working on counter strategies

Hyderabad: With only three days left for the debate on the draft T Bill to resume, the leaders from both the regions were working out on strategies to see that their objectives were fulfilled. While the T leaders want to see that no voting takes place, Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy’s camp wants to ensure that each clause and the entire Bill was put to voting.

Seemandhra leaders, including Revenue Minister N Raghuveera Reddy, claim that the presiding officers of both the Houses would have no option when majority members press for a voting on the T Bill and “We are confident that we will defeat the Bill when it is put to vote,” he said. Another Minister from Seemandhra, Erasu Pratap Reddy, too expressed similar view. Endorsing their views, TDP leader Yanamala Ramakrishnudu said, “Seeking a voting is the basic privilege of any member.

As several amendments have been proposed to the T Bill, the presiding officers should ensure that each amendment is put to vote.” The Seemandhra leaders also decided to send a petition to the President of India seeking extension of deadline by at least another one week to 10 days. It is learnt that Kiran was contemplating to write a letter either on January 17 or even before that saying that hundreds of amendments have been moved which also need to be discussed, a Minister said. As a counter move the T leaders were trying to formulate strategies to oppose any move to put the amendments to vote.

Telangana leaders have also decided to hold a meeting among themselves before Jan 17, the day on which the Assembly reassembles after recess, to chalk out an action plan on how to counter the plans of the Chief Minister' camp. They have also decided to go Delhi to meet President Pranab Mukherjee in order to plead with him not to extend time limit given to the Assembly to debate the Bill.