The process to create Telangana, India's 29th state, crossed the major Lok Sabha hurdle with the BJP coming in support of the UPA to clear the Andhra Pradesh State Re-organization Bill amid din.
The House saw a rare scene when the bill's supporters had to frequently stand up for head count as Lok Sabha speaker Meira Kumar chose to ignore the repeated demand for a division or voting. The live telecast in Lok Sabha TV also went off air suddenly. Lok Sabha secretariat later cited technical problems for the blackout.
The bill is likely to be placed before the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, where the ruling dispensation does not enjoy a majority. Congress strategists did not rule out the possibility of the BJP pushing further amendments to the bill in the Upper House. Any change in the bill will require a fresh approval from the Lok Sabha as well, which might delay its passage.
In light of the creation of the new state, hindustantimes.com asked its readers whether creating more states would weaken India or strengthen it. The majority of responses, 63%, indicated that readers believe formation of new states will weaken India. Of the 5,979 votes received until 11pm, only 30% said that such a move would strengthen the country.
{{/usCountry}}In light of the creation of the new state, hindustantimes.com asked its readers whether creating more states would weaken India or strengthen it. The majority of responses, 63%, indicated that readers believe formation of new states will weaken India. Of the 5,979 votes received until 11pm, only 30% said that such a move would strengthen the country.
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