Creation of the state of Telangana as a separate Indian state was primarily decided during the tenure of which Lok Sabha of the Indian Parliament?

Introduction / Context:
The formation of new states within the Indian Union is an important topic in contemporary political and constitutional history. Telangana, which became a separate state carved out of Andhra Pradesh, is a recent and widely discussed example. Exam questions frequently focus on the constitutional mechanisms and parliamentary periods in which such decisions were taken. This question asks you to recall during which Lok Sabha the process leading to the creation of Telangana as a state was primarily carried through in Parliament.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The state in question is Telangana.
• Telangana was officially formed as a separate state in 2014.
• The question refers to the Lok Sabha whose tenure saw the main parliamentary decision on its creation.
• Options range from the 13th to the 16th Lok Sabha.

Concept / Approach:
The Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, which provided for the creation of Telangana as India s 29th state, was passed in 2014. This legislation was debated and approved in both houses of Parliament during the tenure of the 15th Lok Sabha, which lasted from 2009 to 2014. Although Telangana formally came into existence on 2 June 2014, the core parliamentary decision took place under the 15th Lok Sabha. Understanding the timeline of the Lok Sabhas and major state reorganisation acts helps you quickly eliminate incorrect options.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Telangana officially became a separate state on 2 June 2014. Step 2: Note that the 15th Lok Sabha covered the period from 2009 to 2014, while the 16th Lok Sabha began after the general elections of 2014. Step 3: Remember that the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Bill was introduced and passed in early 2014, still within the life of the 15th Lok Sabha. Step 4: Since the main parliamentary decision and passing of the reorganisation act occurred before the new Lok Sabha was sworn in, it must have been the 15th Lok Sabha that primarily handled it. Step 5: Therefore, choose the 15th Lok Sabha as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
A quick check of parliamentary records or reliable summaries of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act confirms that the Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha in February 2014 and by the Rajya Sabha shortly thereafter. The 16th Lok Sabha elections took place in April May 2014. Thus, the law creating Telangana was a product of the 15th Lok Sabha, not the 16th, and certainly not of earlier Lok Sabhas that ended years before 2014.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
16th Lok Sabha: This Lok Sabha started after the 2014 elections; by then, the Act creating Telangana had already been passed. 14th Lok Sabha: This Lok Sabha lasted from 2004 to 2009, a period during which the Telangana statehood Bill was not passed, even though demands existed. 13th Lok Sabha: Lasted from 1999 to 2004; during this time, the political context was different and the actual state reorganisation decision had not yet been made. 12th Lok Sabha: This was even earlier and has no direct connection with the final parliamentary approval for Telangana statehood.

Common Pitfalls:
Many students confuse the date of formation of the state with the date of parliamentary decision. While Telangana came into existence in June 2014, the legislative act that created it was passed earlier in the same year. Some candidates therefore mistakenly pick the 16th Lok Sabha, thinking of the formal birth date of the state. To avoid this error, always distinguish between the passing of the law and the date on which the state is formally inaugurated.

Final Answer:
The creation of Telangana as a separate state was primarily decided during the tenure of the 15th Lok Sabha.