Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan will take the Republic Day salute in both the States – Andhra Pradesh and Telangana , it is officially learnt.

A major constitutional crisis was emerging with Mr. Narasimhan being the Governor of two States having to attend Republic Day celebrations in both States.

Legal experts, it is learnt, have indicated to the Governor’s office that there is no time frame mentioned anywhere in the Constitution for taking the RD salute. It is mandatory for the Governors to take the salute in the capitals once the President of India unfurls the flag and reviews the parade in New Delhi.

Sources said that Mr. Narasimhan is likely to fly to the A.P. celebrations, wherever they are held, once he completes the procedure at Hyderabad where the Telangana Government plans to showcase itself in its first R-Day parade after the new State was created.

The timing of both the functions is likely to be decided by the Governor himself. As per the procedure, the Government sends a file to Raj Bhavan seeking time and it is the Governor who takes the final call. In the present scenario, the Governor is likely to choose his time to accommodate both the States.

It is learnt that Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu is in favour of celebrating it in Andhra Pradesh rather than the joint capital of Hyderabad although the venue is yet to be decided. Incidentally, A.P. Independence Day celebrations were held in Kurnool this year.

However, the customary “At Home” will be held in the Raj Bhavan here itself.

Source: TH