What is Section 8? Why are AP, Telangana at loggerheads over invoking it?

The scope of invoking Section 8 of the AP Reorganisation Act has triggered a war of sorts between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh as bitterness and acrimony continues.

What is Section 8 and why are the two governments at loggerheads over the issue?

Section 8 empowers the Governor to look after law and order in Hyderabad. The TRS government will not have control over law and order if Section 8 is invoked. The law and order of Hyderabad will be handed to the Governor and his decision will be final.

The TRS government will lose grip on Hyderabad if the law and order is under the Governor. The Governor will have all powers in taking action in matters relating to law and order, including police transfers in the shared capital.

“On and from the appointed day, for the purposes of administration of the common capital area, the Governor shall have special responsibility for the security of life, liberty and property of all those who reside in such area. The responsibility of the Governor shall extend to matters such as law and order, internal security and security of vital installations, and management and allocation of government buildings in the common capital area,” the Section says.

As per the section, Governor ESL Narasimhan will have two advisers and will consult the Telangana Council of Ministers before firming up decisions.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao swung to action to oppose the move and he reportedly told his confidants that he will hold a massive dharna in Delhi If Section 8 is invoked against the wishes of Teangana people.

On the other hand, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has stepped efforts in support of Section 8 accusing the Telangana Government of tapping their phones.

By G Anjali