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Delhi heading for President’s Rule

  It appears that Delhi is heading for the President’s Rule as the deadlock over forming the government is still continues, even while the current term of Delhi state Assembly is going to end on December 18th. Although, Congress and BJP have expressed their readiness to support AAP from outside, AAP has refused to accept their offer. Instead, it shoots letters to both parties asking them to clarify their stand on 18 issues, which are very embarrassing for them.   So, the Delhi Lt. Governor Najeeb Jung, wrote a letter to President Pranab Mukherjee informing about all these developments and asked him to take appropriate decision. If, BJP and AAP stick to their stands, he may order for President’s Rule on Delhi. If so, there is no scope for conducting re-elections, as general elections are round the corner.   Probably, BJP may not afford to leave this opportunity that it is dreaming for a long time. So, it may try to garner support from AAP or may throw bait to AAP MLAs to form the government.

T-bill submitted to Assembly

  Speaker Nadendla Manohar has announced that he is submitting the AP re-organization bill-2013 (T-bill) to state Assembly immediately.Speaker also announced that the copy of the T-bill is available in the official website of the state Assembly. Soon after he made this announcement, the copies of the 63 page bill have been distributed to all the members of the house and then Sadachari, the secretary of Assembly has read-out the letter sent by President Pranab Mukharji to state Assembly.   Members representing Telangana are very much excited with speaker’s decision, while their counterparts of Seemandhra strongly protest his decision. The house is adjourned for half an hour due to uproar by Seemandhra members. Minister Sridhar babu is likely to begin the debate on the T-bill on behalf of Congress party. It is quite surprising to know CM Kiran Kumar Reddy, who has been owing to defeat the bill is absent at this crucial period. He is said to be suffering from cold and fever.

No differences with brother: Sharmila

  Sharmila, who kept YSR Congress party afloat during the absence of her brother YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, has simply vanished from the scene. She not even attends the crucial meetings of the party. Even her brother never took her name on his lips during any occasion until now. So, naturally there are wide spread rumors hinting differences between them. There were reports that Sharmila has distanced from her brother and the party as Jagan has refused to allocate Kadapa MP seat to her. Hence, before the rumors make further damage to his and party reputation, Jagan has roped-in his sister Sharmila for an interview conducted by his mouth piece media Sakshi.   Speaking to Sakshi, she said “I have never asked my brother for Kadapa MP seat. It has been allocated to my cousin Avinash Reddy long ago. He is also my brother. So, why should ask him to vacate the seat for me? It is just creation of yellow media. Though, politics are not my cup of tea, I took initiative only because my brother’s absence. But, when he is there looking after the party, I need not interfere in the party affairs. I will definitely stand by the party, if my services are required to the party any time."   "I am not interested to contest in the elections as I have to look after my family. We are aware that the yellow media is sweating to spread rumors against our family and party. But, we are intact and the rumors can’t affect our bonds and party reputation,” said Sharmila.

Yet another D-day in bifurcation process

  Ever since bifurcation decision has been taken by the Congress high command, each and every step of this process has remained a mysterious event. It continues even after the AP re-organization bill-2013 reached the state Assembly and the suspense may continue until the end of the current UPA term.   Today, a decision has to be taken by Speaker Nadendla Manohar, whether to take-up the bill for a debate in the house or not. Although, there is Business Advisory Committee to decide about it, the equal ratio of Andhra and Telangana representatives in it may definitely create a deadlock over it as both are firm on their stands. So, ultimately Speaker Nadendla Manohar has to take a decision on it.   There are number of questions to be answered by him. Whether to extend the current winter sessions of the Assembly to enable the members discuss on the bill or to summon special sessions for it?Whether to allow each and every member of the house to express his/her opinion on the bill or to allow selective representatives from each party?   Whether to allow the house continue the debate for 42 days or to wind-it up much earlier? Whether to translate the bill into Telugu and Urdu languages that takes not less than a week or just initiate debate with the English version of the bill?   Assembly sessions will begin in a short while from now. Once, the sessions begin, answers for all these questions may be found. However, Seemandhra members of the house, who are not willing for bifurcation, may again, disrupt the house proceedings in an attempt to delay the process.

Why Digvijay did left the job unfinished

  Congress state political in-charge Digvijay Singh has arrived to Hyderabad along with the T-Bill and left hurriedly without finishing his assignment. During his two days’ visit to Hyderabad, he holds meetings with leaders of both regions but found every one stick to their stands and no one is willing to change them. He even had a lunch meeting with CM Kiran, Dy.CM Damodara at PCC President Botsa Satyanarayana’s house at Hyderabad. But, he couldn’t convince CM Kiran to fall in line with party.   Later, in the press conference that he held at Gandhi Bhavan has said that including CM Kiran every Congress man has to obey the high command’s decision. However, this time he is not bold enough to say that CM Kiran has agreed to pass the bill in the Assembly. After realizing that he can’t make CM Kiran fall in line with party, he left the fate of T-bill to leaders of both regions. Perhaps, that is why he has asked the members of the house to thoroughly discuss on each and every article of the bill and give their opinions on them.   It is evident that consensus on the bill in the Assembly is impossible. So, the Centre may recommend President Pranab to impose President’s Rule on the state any time after December 31st after reviewing the situation of the bill. Then, it can have the bill in its hand and proceeds to Parliament using its discretionary powers that it has through Article 3. There are some reports, that T-Congress leaders’ are planning move no-confidence motion against Kiran Sarkar so as to enable the bill return to Delhi in due time.   However, hardly there is one month time left to forward the bill to Parliament, otherwise the bill will be shelved until new government forms at Centre after 2014 general elections. In such case, there may be further delay in Telangana formation.

T-Cong. MLAs, Ministers likely quit

  The way the Seemandhra MPs have served no-confidence notice against UPA government, T-Congress MLAs and Ministers are also planning to serve no-confidence notice against Kiran government, if he and his followers try to delay the T-bill in the house.   Since, Digvijay Singh has left for Bangalore without ensuring the support of CM Kiran Kumar Reddy, Seemandhra MLAs and Ministers to the T-bill in the house, the T-Congress leaders have decided to adopt the same technique of Seemandhra MPs to put an end to T-process at state level, in case CM Kiran and his followers won’t co-operate for early dispatch of the T-bill to President Pranab.   They also have another plan, incase if they fail to move the no-confidence motion against Kiran government. They are planning to resign and withdraw their support to the government, so as President Rule will be imposed on the state and the T-bill will be returned immediately. However, they consider this as the last option.

Deadlock continues over Delhi Government formation

  Deadlock over formation of Delhi Government continues even after six days of the verdict declaration as BJP and Aam Admi party both refuse to take or give support of the other party. BJP, which was invited by Lt Governor Najeeb Jung to form the government, has expressed its inability due to lack of sufficient majority of seats. Its CM Candidate Harsh Vardhan told the Lt.Governor that his party would like to sit in the opposition. Hence, the Lt. Governor has invited the second largest party AAP to form the government.   AAP, which is short of 8 seats short to form the government also, may reiterate its stand to him. Currently, an urgent meeting is in progress at AAP’s office to decide how to respond to Governor’s invitation.   Congress party has come forward to give support from outside to AAP, if it is interested to form the government. Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi has expressed his interest to support AAP. However, so AAP is not willing to take support from BJP or Congress parties. However, AAP is keen to go re-elections rather than taking or giving support to any other party.

T-bill to be sent to Assembly today noon

  Condemning the allegations made by TRS and some T-Congress leaders, CM Kiran Kumar Reddy said that he has already signed the T-bill and asked Chief Secretary Mohanthy to forward the same to Speaker Nadendla Manohar and to Legislative Counsel Chairman. He said, the bill may be sent to them within one hour. They will decide when to introduce the bill into both houses and when to permit a debate on the bill. He said voting on every article of the bill is necessary. The bill has also mentioned about amending Article 371 (D) in the state Assembly, said CM Kiran Kumar Reddy.

Can Digvijay Singh convince S-Cong.MLAs?

  Although, neither Antony committee nor GoM has bothered to visit the state to take the opinion of the people over bifurcation, Congress state political in-charge Digvijay Singh has arrived to Hyderabad on a special mission of passing the Telangana bill at the shortest time.   After failing to convince CM Kiran Kumar Reddy, he began meeting Telangana and high command loyalists in Seemandhra. There is no doubt that he dropped is given a free-hand by Sonia Gandhi to make Seemandhra Congress MLAs fall in line with party by hook or crook. He is using the services of party loyalists to pressurize the rebellions. At the same time, he is also trying to separate the Rayalaseema Congress MLAs from rest. He may be offering sops for those, who fall in line with party and disciplinary action against the rebellions. He is going to meet MLAs of both regions at party office-Gandhi Bhavan today, where he may convey the party president Sonia Gandhi’s message and ask them to obey her order.   However, passing of Telangana bill entirely depends on whether he could split the Rayalaseema Congress MLAs from the rest or not. If, he could separate them the bill can be passed at the earliest time, otherwise CM Kiran group will utilize the 42 days’ time given for returning the bill and also enclose a negative opinion for the bill.

Nilekani to be Congress PM candidate?

      After a dismal performance in the Assembly elections, rumours are doing the rounds that the Congress is taking every step with a lot of caution and deep introspection, specially naming their PM candidate.   After Sonia Gandhi on Dec 8 said that the party will decided on the PM candidate and it will be announced at the opportune time, rumours that Nandan Nilekani maybe pitted against BJP's Narendra Modi, are afire. According to some reports, the party is considering a strong candidate against Modi and Nilekani, the man behind the Aadhaar card yojna is also being considered for the top job. Congress is yet to announce its PM candidate for the 2014 Lok Sabha polls The Congress is now trying to transform their outlook before the Lok Sabha polls in 2014 and wants to appeal to the people. After AICC vice president Rahul Gandhi said that the party would transform itself, the party's next step is to name its PM candidate. Earlier there were also reports suggesting that Nilekani may contest the Lok Sabha elections in 2014 on Congress' ticket. Reacting on the rumours....Janata Dal (United) MP Shivanand Tiwari on Wednesday said the move could be suicidal for the party. Commenting on the speculation doing rounds, Tiwari said: "Only English-speaking people know who is Nandan Nilakeni. If Congress is keen on committing suicide, it should name him as PM candidate."

Congress MPs to meet President

      Seemandhra Congress MPs, who served no-confidence notice against their own government, are going to meet President Pranab Mukharji today afternoon to appeal him to give sufficient time to state assembly for discussing on the Telangana bill.They will also appeal him not to ignore the opinions expressed by the members of state assembly.   Sabbam Hari speaking to the media at New Delhi said, some of our party members, including T-Congress MPs have intentionally disrupted the house proceedings forcing the Speaker to adjourn the house only to avert no-confidence motion. However, we will insist the Speakar to take-up our notice in tomorrow house proceedings." However, Congress may adopt the same idea tomorrow also to avert the no-confidence on it. AICC representative PC Chacko said disciplinary action will be taken against those 6 MPs, who served notice against government.

Many joins cat fight in state Congress

  While the Congress high command is quite upset with its defeat in four states elections, it had another jolt from its own MPs, who served no-confidence letter. As if it is not enough, senior Congress leader JC Diwakar Reddy demands for Sonia Gandhi’s resignation to party president post.   PCC president Botsa has asked high command’s permission to suspend JC Diwakar Reddy from the party. JC giving a fitting reply to Botsa has said “I have asked Sonia to step down keeping in view of her ill health. I thought a national party like Congress shouldn’t be weak before the regional parties. That is why, I have suggested her to handover the party reins to Rahul Gandhi or some able person. I don’t think there is anything wrong in my suggestion. Therefore, first Botsa should be suspended from the party as he also revolts against high command’s decision by signing the letter that opposes the bifurcation. Then the state and central leaders are also to be suspended before thinking about my suspension.   This is very much enough to trigger a cat fight between Congress leaders. Hence, whoever is interested is joining it. First union minister Chiranjeevi, who says he quits his post said “It is not fair to serve no-confidence notice to own party. If there are problems or difference of opinion on any particular issues, one should talk with high command rather than doing like this, which tarnish the party image.”   His associate minister C.Ramachandrayya taking lead from him said “It is foolish to serve no-confidence notice against our own party. It is unfortunate to see those leaders, who once praised Sonia Gandhi as goddess is now criticizing her.” AICC representative PC Chacko said “We have predicted this kind of developments. We will face the no-confidence move and will definitely defeat it.”   Digvijay Singh said, “I am quite shocked to see our own MPs have served no-confidence notice against our government. I hope they will withdraw their letter. I will come to Hyderabad on December 12th and sort out the problems there.”

Don’t know how much time he will give: Shinde

  Home minister Sushil Kumar Shinde briefing the media about Telangana bill status said, “It is currently in President Pranab Mukharji’s office. I don’t know how many days’ time he will give to state Assembly for returning the bill. However, if possible we want to present it in winter parliament sessions. Centre has all rights to divide any state using Article 3, if there is no consensus from the state. So, it is absurd to say that we are misusing our powers. Bifurcation process is taking place completely in accordance with constitution. So, we are confident that it will get the approval of President and Parliament as well.”

Did Social Media nail the Congress coffin?

    All political parties have realized that they can reach youth only through social media than any other way. So, they have put lots of efforts to reach them. As a result, the influence of social media on the recent elections of five states is clearly visible with the sharp rise in voting per cents.   The election commission in Chattisgarh has predicted that there may be around 50-62 per cent polling in the state because of Naxals threats, but it was 75.5 per cent. Even in Mizoram there is record polling of 81 per cent, where as it is expected to be around 60-65 per cent. However, Delhi being a metro city has only 65.8 per cent voting.   Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh and Rajasthan states, where Narendra Modi, Sonia and Rahul Gandhi have intensely campaigned, have record turnouts of 71 per cent, 75.5 per cent and 74.5 per cent simultaneously. This means apart from the social media influence, top leaders’ campaigning has also considerably increased the polling percentages. Keeping in view of this experience, all the political parties in the country may plan accordingly for facing 2014 general elections.

Cong. wins in Mizoram, but not encouraging

  Even when Congress could not win the elections in four states, it won in Mizoram state for the second time, only because of its Chief Minister Lal Thanhawala’s personal reputation. He won for a record 9th time as MLA and is going to rule the state as Chief Minister for the second time. However, the margin of the Congress victory is not any encouraging when compared to previous elections. It has won just 22 seats out of 40, whereas it was 32 in previous elections.   The sharp decline despite no strong opposition in the state indicates that Congress is fast loosing grounds in the northeastern states also. If seen, overall Congress is gradually sinking to regional party status. Yet, it has to face an acid test very shortly in 2014 general elections, in which it is likely to lose its strongest fort Andhra Pradesh state also.

Speaker likely to take-up No-Confidence move today

  Total 13 MPs of TDP, Congress and YSR Congress parties’ have served no-confidence letters against UPA government in protest against its decision of bifurcation of the state. Lok Sabha Speaker Meera Kumar, who accepted their letters, is likely to take-up the no-confidence motion in the house today after noon. However, at least 55 MPs have to support it for initiating debate on it, otherwise it will be dismissed. If, members of the opposition parties support it, then Congress has to face an embarrassing situation in the house.   Congress high command is trying to convince its MPs to withdraw their letter given to Speaker, but they are not willing for it. Even if it could convince its own MPs there are TDP and YSRCP letters that may put the Congress high command on toes.   If seen the past experiences, Samajwadi and Bahujan Samajwadi parties may support the move for a debate, but may not vote against the UPA government. They may support the move only to trouble the Congress high command, but after pareticipating in a heated debate, they may support the Congress government again. However, it would be humiliation for Congress party.

President refers T-Bill to Law Ministry

  President Pranab Mukharji has referred Telangana bill to Law Ministry seeking its suggestions over some issues before leaving for two-day-South Africa tour to attend the funeral ceremony of former South Africa president Nelson Mandela. If, there is any further delay at President’s office, the bill may not reach before end of the Parliament winter sessions.

Stand-off on Delhi government formation continues

  Stand-off continues on the formation of Delhi Government as BJP and Aam Admi party, which doesn’t have enough majority to form the government on their own have decided to sit in the opposition benches. AAP has already made it clear that neither it will support BJP nor ready to take its support to form the government. BJP also declared that it will not ask AAP support, but would like to sit in the opposition benches until someone voluntarily come forward extending support. Hence, the stalemate over formation of Delhi government continues.   Congress is closely watching the developments. However, it is not in a position to gather 28 MLAs support to form the government, but may be ready to extend its support to AAP, if asked for.   Former IPS officer and social activist Kiran Bedi said Aravind Kejriwal, who got a good reputation as a social activist, will definitely give a good governance to Delhi people, if becomes CM of Delhi state. She opined that AAP shouldn’t hesitate to take the support of BJP, as re-elections will be an extra burden on the government.   However, Aravind Kejriwal’s mentor Anna Hazare speaking to media at his native village Ralegaon said “I think it is not wise to take the support of either Congress or BJP, as both of they have tainted records. AAP holds a meeting with its newly elected MLAs and party seniors a short while ago. Later, they have declared that AAP will not support or take support of BJP or Congress party.

It is meetings day today

  Today several important meetings of different groups will be held. Firstly Seemandhra Congress MPs and Union Ministers will meet in Parliament Central Hall to chalk out their future course of action plan. If, Lagadapati is to be believed they will again resign to their posts and withdraw support to their UPA government. However, people are aware that it is continuation of their high end dramas to escape the fury of the people.   Next, Seemandhra MLAs and Ministers, those want to continue their fight for Samaikyandhra will meet at Hyderabad o chalk-out their action plan to face the T-bill that is coming to state Assembly anytime. Their meeting to be held ahead of Assembly winter sessions is very significant.   Then, APNGO leaders are also meeting today to chalk-out theirfuture course of action plans. Their leader P Ashok Babu has earlier told the media that they will resume their indefinite strike anytime after the T-bill reaches state Assembly. So, they may take a concrete decision that is going to disrupt the normal life again.   T-Congress leaders are going to celebrate their party president Sonia Gandhi’s Birthday in a big way as it gives an opportunity to make her Bhajans to catch her attention and also to boast themselves of achieving Telangana state. However, she and her son Rahul Gandhi are quite upset with the birthday gift given by the people of four states.