Blackout on vote as Telangana bill moves ahead
Lower House of parliament approves creation of India’s newest state without broadcasting the vote.
Telangana supporters shout slogans during a protest near the Indian parliament on February 13, 2014 in New Delhi. (Sanjeev Verma/Hindustan Times via Getty Images)
The much-awaited bill proposing a controversial division of Andhra Pradesh state to create the new state of Telangana passed Tuesday in the Lower House of India’s parliament. But for many, the historic decision was marred by a blackout of the vote itself, as the live telecast of parliamentary proceedings was cut off minutes into discussion of the bill.
Tuesday’s blackout of the debate has led to criticism of Speaker Meira Kumar, after the CEO of Lok Sabha TV said technical glitches caused the incident. Some speculate the telecast was stopped to prevent opposing MPs from “[playing] to the cameras” to halt passage of the bill.
The creation of Telangana has generated turmoil both on the streets and in parliament. An MP opposing the bill used pepper spray to stall proceedings last week.
On Twitter, many voiced their criticism of the blackout.