There is a valid reason why former CM KCR was careful with the demolition of properties in Hyderabad. The AP Reorganization Act 2014 is the reason behind KCR’s every decision regarding Hyderabad. KCR successfully ensured that control of Hyderabad was not handed over to the Governor, despite the impediments posed by Sections 5 and 8 of the Act.
What is Section 5?
The Common Capital Area status of Hyderabad, effective until June 2, 2024, as stipulated in Section 5 of the AP Reorganization Act 2014, has been conveniently ignored by certain media outlets, leaving the people of Telangana uninformed.
What is Section 8?
According to Section 8, within the common capital area, the following responsibilities are vested in the Governor:
1. Law and order
2. Security of citizens
3. Liberty
4. Property protection
It’s crucial to emphasize that the protection of property is under the Governor’s jurisdiction. The Act clearly states that the Governor’s decisions in these matters are final, with no obligation to adhere to the advice of the State Cabinet or the Chief Minister.
Moreover, the Central Government appointed one retired IAS officer and one retired IPS officer as advisors to the Governor, both of whom had completed 10 years of service before retirement. Additionally, the Andhra Pradesh government headed by CM Chandrababu Naidu wouldn’t have left Hyderabad in 2015 if not for the ‘Vote for Note’ case.
Sections 5 and 8 of the Act have been a constant threat to Telangana until June 2, 2024, like a sword hanging over Telangana’s head. This is why the current Congress government was able to establish an organization like ‘HYDRA’ on July 1, 2024, after the expiration of the common capital status.
A section of the media with vested interests has made sure not to highlight these issues. However, KCR has been vigilant and successful in ensuring that Hyderabad did not fall under the Governor’s control under Section 8 over the past decade.