Numbers Game Turns Special Status Issue Interesting!

The Private Member Bill put up by Congress MP, KVP Rama Chandra Rao about the Special Status of Andhra Pradesh is likely to come up for voting tomorrow in Rajya Sabha. If Congress manages to pull through the bill, it will be a massive embarrassment for the ruling BJP Party. Congress already issued a whip to all its members to attend the session and vote in favour.

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TDP despite being an alliance partner agreed to vote in favour of the bill in the larger interests of the state. YSR Congress’ lone MP, Vijaya Sai Reddy will also vote in favour. On the other side, Congress is talking to other parties to garner support for the bill. They are seeking the support of NCP, CPM and CPI parties.

BJP does not have the majority in Rajya Sabha. If Congress with the help of other parties, manages to push through the bill, it will come as a lifeline to the party in Andhra Pradesh, it feels. Further, BJP will be cornered big time. On the other side, BJP State MPs are feeling the heat of the issue. However, they are sidelining the issue, for now, saying that we shall see when it comes to voting.

Since Center is not in favour of giving Special Status, they are unlikely to vote in favour. CPI has agreed to vote in favour. TRS MPs will not vote in favour since they are opposing Special Status to AP as it will be against the interests of Telangana. Telangana IT Minister KTR the other day said the bill is useless and will not help in any way.