Judiciary "crossed limits": Andhra CM Jagan on HC verdict on 3 capitals issue
Amaravati, March 24: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy on Thursday said the "judiciary crossed its limits" and went against the federal spirit in issuing an impractical order on the three capitals issue and stated the March 3 ruling of the AP High Court on the matter "cannot be implemented."
He asserted his government would go ahead with the decentralisation plan (by establishing three different capitals for the state) as there was no alternative to it.
"Decentralisation is our policy. Decision on capitals is our right and responsibility," the chief minister maintained, winding up a short discussion in the Legislative Assembly.
The High Court verdict, delivered by a three-member bench headed by Chief Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra, was "like questioning not only the Constitution but also the powers of the legislature". It was against the federal spirit and the legislative powers, the CM observed.
"Will the judiciary make laws? The legislature will then have no meaning. The judiciary has crossed its limits, which is unwarranted and uncalled for," Jagan said.
"We are not conducting this House to insult the High Court. We have great respect for the High Court. At the same time, the Legislature has the responsibility to safeguard the honour and powers of the Assembly," he remarked.
Referring to the HC order that the state government and the AP Capital Region Development Authority complete infrastructure development like roads, drinking water, drainage, electricity in the Amaravati Capital City and Region within one month, the Chief Minister asked if that would be in any way possible.
The court also directed the state to construct and develop Amaravati capital city and capital region within six months' time.
"The HC verdict is contrary to the Supreme Court's orders that courts should not deliver verdicts that cannot be implemented. The HC judgement (of March 3) cannot be implemented," Jagan stressed.
He announced that there was no going back on decentralisation.
"That (decentralisation) is the right path, even if it is full of hurdles. Decentralisation means development of all regions. It is everyone's self-respect. Decentralisation has no alternative," the Chief Minister said.
He said the government was seeking legal counsel on the way forward and exploring alternatives in tune with the Constitution.
The AP High Court had earlier ruled that the state Legislature "lacked competence" to make any legislation for shifting, bifurcating or trifurcating the capital.
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Minister Madhu Bangarappa invites JDS MLA to join Congress during public event
Shivamogga: Shivamogga District In-charge Minister Madhu Bangarappa performed a Gudali Puja on Sunday for the development of Barehalla and Hi Hole Dams in the taluk, along with road development work in Puradalu village.
At the program, Madhu Bangarappa extended an invitation to JDS MLA Sharada Pooryanayaka to join the Congress party, using an English proverb to make his point.
"Sharada Pooryanayaka loves me very much. But when elections come, it becomes very difficult. Now we have power. That is why I am calling her to join our party. Our father always said that when it is hot, we should dry the grass. Now that it is hot, my sister should make a decision," he said, extending an open offer to the JDS leader.
Bangarappa emphasized that providing facilities for the Sharavati flood victims is the government's duty. He noted that the dam built for these victims in Puradalu village was damaged due to excessive rainfall. To address this, he announced the launch of development work worth Rs. 3 crore, fulfilling his previous promises.
He stated that while the government is allocating funds for guaranteed schemes, it is also ensuring grants for developmental projects. "As a minister, I am responsible for providing quality education to children. I am working with great emphasis on education. Since the education department is vast, everyone is cooperating," he said.
The minister urged parents to ensure their children's education is not disrupted due to frequent holidays. He also mentioned that a facial attendance system is being considered to monitor school attendance more effectively.
Instead of focusing on building large temples in villages, he stressed the importance of constructing bigger schools, stating that "If schools are built big, God will bless them."
MLA Sharada Pooryanayaka stated that priority is being given to the development of villages in the Sharavati floodplain area. She also acknowledged the efforts of Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and thanked District In-charge Minister Madhu Bangarappa for securing funds for the Barehalla and Hi Hole Dam development.
Puradalu Gram Panchayat Vice President H.S. Pradeep delivered the introductory remarks.
The event was attended by Congress District President R. Prasanna Kumar, State Bhovi Development Corporation President S. Ravikumar, Guarantee Schemes Authority District President Chandrabhupal, and Congress leaders Kalgodu Ratnakar, G.D. Manjunath, Dr. Srinivas Karianna, Y.H. Nagaraj, as well as Puradalu and Agasavalli Gram Panchayat Presidents and members.
