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Members from Telangana in Lok Sabha on Monday voiced their opposition to a directive by the Centre vesting special powers in the Governor vis-a-vis the law and order in Hyderabad. They disrupted proceedings leading to the adjournment of the House twice.
The city is currently the joint capital of Telangana and the residual state of Andhra Pradesh. TRS floor leader Jitendra Reddy, who spoke during the zero hour, flashed a copy of a letter from the Union Home ministry and said the special powers vested in the Governor struck at the rights and powers of the state. He was challenged by MPs from Andhra Pradesh.
Asaduddin Owaisi of the MIM stood in the well and shouted that the move was unconstitutional.
Reading portions of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, enacted by the previous UPA regime, Home Minister Rajnath Singh clarified that the Central directive was in accordance with Section 8 of the Act. He said it assigned a special responsibility to the Governor to protect life, liberty and property of those living in the common capital of Hyderabad. He said it was the responsibility of the Governor to ensure law and order, internal security and security of vital institutions.