The division of assets between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh is proving to be an especially challenging task as the KCR government has refused to share AP Bhavan in New Delhi.
Declaring that Telangana is the rightful owner of the Nizam’s property, Telangana Chief Secretary SP Singh on Friday claimed historical right over Andhra Bhavan, reported TOI. The Chief Secretary also observed that division of assets should be based on geographical location and pointed out that none of the institutions in Schedule X of the AP Reorganisation Act, 2014 are in Andhra Pradesh.
Andhra Pradesh, however, is of the view that the buildings and the land at AP Bhavan should be divided between the states on the basis of population ratio.
“If AP wants a share in AP Bhavan, then we may seek our share in the seaports, buildings and assets located in the successor AP state as they were bought with funds of the combined AP,” a TS official told The New Indian Express.
Fed up with the squabble, the Centre issued an ultimatum to the Telugu states, noting that if it failed to come up with an agreeable formula over the sharing of assets in the next 10 days as per the AP Reorganisation Act, 2014.
AP cited the Supreme Court verdict on the sharing of assets. The apex court had in March 2016 observed that Telangana could no claim “absolute right” over assets simply because they were located in Hyderabad. The court had noted, “The issue of bifurcation of States is both sensitive as well as tricky, care must be taken to ensure that no discrimination is done against either of the successor State.” It also added, “There must be an equitable bifurcation of the assets and liabilities of the statutory bodies among the two successor States as well, to ensure welfare of the public at large residing within these territories.”
The top court had also directed the Centre to constitute a committee within two months if the two states were unable to reach an agreement on the division of assets.