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Advani introduces bills to create Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh

The government today introduced in the Lok Sabha the much-awaited bills for the creation of Uttarakhand and Chhattisgarh, but deferred the Vananchal bill by a day.

Introducing the Uttar Pradesh Reorganisation Bill, 1998, Home Minister Lal Kishenchand Advani told agitated members of the Shiromani Akali Dal, Trinamul Congress, and Bahujan Samaj Party that the government would decide on the creation of the new hill state only after considering the views of the local people on the inclusion of Udham Singh Nagar and Hardwar.

Supporters of the bill greeted its introduction by thumping their desks. But the SAD insisted the bill be taken up for debate only after the three-member committee set up to decide on the fate of Udham Singh Nagar submits its report.

The government also introduced the Madhya Pradesh Reorganisation Bill, 1998, which seeks to create the state of Chhattisgarh.

But the Bihar State Reorganisation Bill, 1998, for the creation of Vananchal, which was opposed by the ruling Rashtriya Janata Dal in Bihar and some other parties, was deferred, though its introduction was also listed in today's agenda.

But Parliamentary Affairs Minister M L Khurana announced at a press conference later that the bill had only been postponed, not withdrawn. He said the Union Cabinet would meet informally at 10am tomorrow to review the bill.

Earlier, the Lok Sabha was adjourned twice in the pre-lunch session when members of the Rashtriya Loktantrik Morcha (National Democratic Front), comprising the RJD and the Samajwadi Party, moved into the well of the house to obstruct the introduction of the bills relating to the creation of Vananchal and Uttarakhand.

Later, an all-party meeting was held in the speaker's chamber to discuss the issue.

Soon thereafter, Advani sought leave to introduce the UP Reorganisation Bill, but faced strong opposition from SAD member Prem Singh Chandumajra and Trinamul Congress chief Mamata Banerjee. BSP members led by Mayawati supported them. The speaker allowed them to air their views.

Introducing the bill, Advani made it clear that the government had followed all norms for moving such an important legislation and the bill would be passed only after the committee headed by Defence Minister George Fernandes submitted its report.

But Chandumajra was insistent that the bill should only have been introduced after the committee had given its report.

Advani promised that the government would take full cognisance of the objections raised by the BSP, Trinamul Congress, and SAD while ensuring passage of the bill.

Articulating the views of Bengalis living in Udham Singh Nagar, Banerjee said they wanted to remain with Uttar Pradesh.

There was no opposition to the introduction of the Chhattisgarh bill.

Soon after, the house was told that the Vananchal bill would be taken up later. At this, several members of the treasury benches were on their feet seeking clarifications.

Earlier, Manoranjan Bhaktha (Congress) demanded statehood for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. He said that since there was no controversy, the government should not delay the matter.

Advani acknowledged that demands for statehood to Union territories like the Andamans, Pondicherry, Delhi and Chandigarh were being received.

UNI

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