Telangana Bill in Rajya Sabha: Debate highlights

Within minutes after the Telangana Bill was introduced in the Rajya Sabha, there was the expected uproar and chaos from the members to prevent the Bill from being passed.

In a record of sorts, the Rajya Sabha was adjourned 10 times over the Telangana Bill.

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5. 20 pm: Arun Jaitley: How can MP Chiranjeevi express a view which is contrary to the collective wisdom of Council of Ministers. He asked if Union minister Chiranjeevi is allowed to speak against Telangana Bill that the government has moved.

Chiranjeevi's speech in Parliament: YSRCP, TDP, BJP slammed

In Union minister for tourism Chiranjeevi's first speech to the Parliament, he came down heavily on the opposition for instigating people against Congress and hastening the Telangana process

Excerpts from his speech

• This is my first speech in the parliament, request you to give me a patient hearing
• • The process adopted to create Telangana is very unfortunate
• I am not supporting one particular region.
• I am personally a Samaikyandhra supporter but i will abide by the party guidelines
• Even CM Kiran greed to bow down to the party's decision
• SriKrishna committee report also said that Samaikyandhra was the best option
• Being a Congressman, speaking against my own party’s decision is painful
• BJP trying to stall Telangana Bill
• However, several parties carried out padayatras to woo voters and in the name of political benefit stirred up the conscience of people which turned emotions..they blamed congress for delaying Telangana
• BJP, YSRCP, TDP had earlier agreed to the Telangana state. but now, BJP is stalling the process of Telangana
• What is equal justice? Can TDP suggest what they want?
• YSRCP had agreed for Telangana based on Article 3, but later took a U-turn for political benefits

• Revenue from Hyderabad has contributed to the progress of both regions
• Ever since the Telangana issue came to the fore, congress has been using it as a tool for political gains
• Congress has no right to criticize BJP
• Our party is committed to the Telangana cause
• No objection to taking legal opinion from Attorney general
• Given the present state, it's better for both regions to be divided
• Congress is an opportunist party
• Separate state for Telangana, justice for Seemandhra is BJP's stand
• Narendra Modi said Jai Telangana in Hyderabad itself
• Everyone has right to live in Hyderabad
• Congress party's decision was opposed by the party's CM himself
• Once upon a time, unity was strength and happiness, but now division will bring in happiness

4.51 pm: My only worry is about adressing the people of Seemandhra. Telangana people want Telangana. Telangana people want Hyderabad. We are saying yes. But we should ensure safety for Seemandhra people living in Hyderabad: Venkaiah Naidu

4.40 pm: Seemandhra lawyers JAC aim to move Supreme Court over Telangana issue

Our battle will be shifted to Delhi where we will take up legal fight against the formation of Telangana by approaching Supreme Court, advocates' JAC convenor and Vijayawada Bar Association president M Jayakar Babu said in Hyderabad today- PTI

4.35 pm: House adjourned for 15 minutes

4.20 pm : Seemandhra MPs in Rajya Sabha hold banners calling the Telangana Bill 'illegal'

4.12 pm: You are killing the Democracy: Kurien to Sijana Chowdary

4. 05 pm : Rajya Sabha deputy Chairman appeals to MPs to maintain order for discussion on Telangana Bill

4.03 pm : Venkaiah Naidu asks sloganeering MPs in Rajya Sabha to 'stop mocking democracy'

3.26 pm: Rajya Sabha adjourned again for 15 minutes

3. 16 pm: Marshals called in Rajya Sabha after uproar over Telangana bill

3.15 pm : Telangana MPS shielded Sushilkumar Shinde, as the latter tried speaking about the Bill.

3.14 pm: Home minister Sushilkumar Shinde moved Telangana Bill in Rajya Sabha for consideration amid chaos

Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde on Thursday moved Telangana Bill in Rajya Sabha for consideration amid chaos. Shinde was guarded by several Congress leaders to stop protesters.

Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha called Marshals inside the House minutes before the Telangana Bill was to be introduced. Amid the chaos, the Rajya Sabha was adjourned for 10 minutes. Soon after the House reassembled, it was adjourned for 15 minutes again with the members refusing to stop their protest.

On the other hand, leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Arun Jaitley, and others opposed the Telangana Bill on grounds of constitutional invalidity and moved the notices. When Jaitley started addressing the members in the Parliament, Seemandha MPs did not allow him to speak. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is likely to address the Rajya Sabha and assure financial assistance to Seemandhra. The BJP is expected to move amendments, seeking a financial package for the residual state of Seemandhra.

3.10pm: Leader of Opposition Arun Jaitley and others oppose the bill on grounds of constitutional invalidity.

3.00 pm: Parliament Session, concluding tomorrow, can be extended to pass crucial bills: Kamal Nath