Andhra Pradesh legislature rejects Telangana bill, adjourned sine die

Deputy Chief Minister Damodar Rajanarasimha Thursday said with the bill being sent back to the president, their goal was achieved. "The dream of the people of Telangana will soon become a reality," he said.

Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief K. Chandrasekhara Rao exuded confidence that separate Telangana state will come into existence in 15 days.

Finance Minister Anam Ramnarayan Reddy, who is from Seemandhra, said since Telangana legislators opposed division in both the houses, the official resolutions were adopted by voice vote. "The bill has been rejected in tune with the aspirations of the people," he said.

Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader P. Keshav hailed the passing of resolutions rejecting the bill. He termed it as a historic development.

The president had referred the bill to the state legislature Dec 12 for its opinion under article 3 of the constitution. The bill was tabled Dec 16 but could not be taken up for debate for several days due to protests by lawmakers from Seemandhra, opposing the state's bifurcation.

The president had originally given time till Jan 23 for the legislature to give its opinion. The state government had sought four more weeks to complete the debate but the president gave one week.

Meanwhile, a shutdown was observed in all 13 districts of Seemandhra Thursday on a call given by the TDP to oppose state's bifurcation.

The shutdown hit the normal life. Shops and business establishments were closed while buses of state owned Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) were off the roads.