Why was there no debate on the Telangana Bill in the Lok Sabha, asks Mamata Banerjee

Commenting on the passing of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Bill or Telangana Bill in the Lok Sabha, Trinamool Congress (TMC) president Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday asked why there was no debate on the Bill in the House, and also questioned Speaker Meira Kumar's decision to stop the live telecast of proceedings in the House.

"Why didn't they allow a debate on the Bill? If any member asks for a debate when the Bill is in process, then, they have to allow it. Otherwise, the Bill is illegal. It can be challenged," said Banerjee.

Responding to queries about the TMC staging a walkout in the House, Banerjee said, "We walked out because we asked for a debate in the House. They did not allow it. It is the prerogative of the member if they ask for a debate. They have to vote for that."

"They also turned off the live telecast of the proceedings of the House. There is something hanky-panky in this," she added.

Earlier, the Lok Sabha passed the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Bill by voice vote, which proposes the formation of a new state of Telangana out of a united state of Andhra Pradesh.

Several members of parliament of the opposition parties like the Janata Dal (United), and the Trinamool Congress (TMC), however, decided to stage a walkout in protest over the manner in which the Bill was tabled and passed in the House.

Earlier today, the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Bill was moved by Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde for consideration and passage in the Lok Sabha.

At a meeting convened by Speaker Meira Kumar, Leader of the Opposition Sushma Swaraj had agreed with top ministers of the government that the bill has to be passed in Parliament.

Meanwhile, the Speaker has ordered live proceedings of the Lok Sabha to be stopped so as to avoid a repeat of last week's 'Pepper Spray incident' in front of the people.