Imposing President’s Rule is another option that the Union government might consider to quell violence in Andhra Pradesh after the Justice Srikrishna panel report is submitted. It will also nullify the threat of Opposition parties to force mid-term polls.
Though the Justice Srikrishna panel is currently busy finalising its report, which will be submitted to the Union home ministry on December 31 evening, much depends on what decision the Central government takes based on it.
So far indications are that the Centre might not directly concede statehood to Telangana and might instead announce more legal protections for the region in respect of public employment, public funding etc. If the statehood demands are not met, it seems unlikely that the TRS will stretch it’s agitation till 2014. As per statements of its chief Mr K. Chandrasekhara Rao, there might be large-scale violence including a non-cooperation movement in the region making it difficult for the law and order machinery to control the situation.
On the political front too, the Opposition might come up with moves that will put the government in an embarrassing situation in the ensuing Budget session including a no-confidence motion. With the state facing twin problems of law and order and political turmoil, the Centre might consider imposing President’s Rule for six months after keeping the Assembly in suspended to control both the problems.
This would give the Congress leadership the time to rein in party MLAs who are siding with Mr Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy. Chances of realignment of political forces following possible negotiations with the Prajarajyam Party also cannot be ruled out.
The Congress leadership in the Centre, however, will have a tough time in giving a convincing reply to its political adversaries on the circumstances that led to imposing President’s Rule in a state ruled by it. Neither the Congress nor the BJP-led NDA have imposed such a rule in a state ruled by them during the last 25 years except in Jharkhand and Goa where the party lost majorities.