Mr. Speaker Sir, according to the prescribed rules, you have permitted those who have given notices of objections to introduction. Shri Manoranjan Bhakta has raised that issue and even in the preamble he said that he had no objection to this Bill as such. But he availed of the occasion to speak about Andaman & Nicobar Islands being given statehood. This is a demand which is being raised by several Union Territories including Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

I have already told him that if a demand being made by Pondicherry, if a demand being made by Delhi and, in fact, even about Lakshadweep I heard that the demand is growing gradually...

SHRI SATYA PAL JAIN : Sir, Chandigarh also.

SHRI L.K. ADVANI: Yes, Chandigarh also.

SHRI SANSUMA KHUNGGUR BWISWMUTHIARY (KOKRAJHAR): Sir, what about Bodoland? Why is there no such Bill? It is the most genuine and legitimate demand of the people of that area. It is not in the interest of anti-national people... (Interruptions)

MR. SPEAKER: Not like this, please.

SHRI L.K. ADVANI: This is a different matter and I have been in communication with him. He also mentioned that the Prime Minister is visiting Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

A point was raised by our B.S.P. Leader, Shri Arif Mohammed Khan in which he quoted that this is a Bill which is being introduced under Article 3 of the Constitution. That Article says that when Parliament by law seeks to carve out a new State or alter the boundaries of any State or diminish the area of any State or increase the area of any State, such a Bill cannot be introduced in either House of Parliament except on the recommendation of the President. He is very right. This is a limitation imposed on the Government when a Bill of this nature is introduced. Further, that Article imposes a restriction on the President also and says that the President cannot recommend such a Bill where the proposal contained in the Bill affects the area, boundaries or name of any of the State. The Bill has been referred by the President to the Legislature of that State for expressing its views thereon within such periods as may be specified.

These are the two limitations which govern introduction of a Bill under this particular Article. I can only say that both these limitations were kept in mind when the Government considered the Bill in the last Session. After the Session, we sought the recommendation of the President. The President said that I cannot recommend it. I, first, under the law, have to refer it to the Assembly and seek its opinion. He sought its opinion and then conveyed to us a recommendation formally which I have given to you. So, all the necessary requisites have been followed. Therefore, for anyone to suggest that it is not within the legislative competence of this House to enact the Bill is not quite correct.

It has been stated in the Rules of Procedure itself that the only substantial point on which the introduction of a Bill can be opposed is that it is not within the legislative competence of the House. As far as amendments, etc. are concerned, the Parliament can consider, we can all consider and the views of the Assembly also can be considered. But as far as the basic conditions which are needed to introduce a Bill are concerned, they have been duly fulfilled. I have already conveyed them to you. Therefore, that I expect this House to permit me to move this Bill. (Interruptions).

MR. SPEAKER: There is one observation from the Chair. Prof. Chandumajra, even though you have not given a notice before 10 o' clock, as a special permission from the Chair, I am allowing you one minute. I am allowing one minute to Kumari Mamata Banerjee also.