With the Union government announcing the terms of reference and the time frame for the Telangana Committee, the proper course for the Joint Action Committee of political parties that is spearheading the agitation for a separate state would have been to wait for its report, due by December 31, 2010. The five-member Telangana committee headed by the former Supreme Court judge B.N. Srikrishna needs the time and the space for examining this contentious issue in all its aspects. People and parties are divided on the statehood question, and the terms of reference necessarily had to be broad and wide-ranging, accommodating the demands for both a Telangana state and for a united Andhra Pradesh. In any case, including one demand in the terms of reference would have implied dealing with the other and neither could have been considered in isolation. The JAC’s stand against the committee examining the demand for keeping Andhra Pradesh united mirrored that of the Telangana Rashtra Samiti, whose raison d’etre is a separate Telangana. Quite understandably, other parties, including those with high stakes in Telangana, were not willing to unqualifiedly fall in line with the JAC ’s ultimatums. The end-result could well leave the TRS friendless and lonely. Telangana accounts for 119 of the 294 members in the State Assembly, but only 12 of them have quit so far. Of these, 10 are from the TRS. Only one of the 39 Telugu Desam Party MLAs from the region resigned, while others decided to wait for the decision of the Congress MLAs from the region. As for the BJP, for long an unequivocal supporter of a Telangana State, one of its two MLAs from the region quit. An ineffective JAC, far from being able to convince all the legislators, was reduced to setting a deadline for other MLAs to quit.
Carving out smaller States is too important and complex an issue to be taken in the heat of inflamed passions and under the pressure of political agitations. In the absence of a political consensus, and when concerns are raised about the wider implications for the other parts of the State, decisions will have to be made after wide-ranging consultations, and on the basis of a well laid out road map. Those clamouring for a separate Telangana will surely help their own cause by extending full cooperation to the Srikrishna panel, instead of vitiating the atmosphere again by instigating violence or asking elected political representatives to resign. All stakeholders must ensure that the panel succeeds in its rather difficult task of balancing the interests and concerns of different sections and recommending a plan of action towards a solution, as set out in the terms of reference.
Keywords: Telangana, MLAs, MPs, JAC, Srikrishna panel, TRS, Andhra Pradesh, TDP, Supreme Court
The Srikrishna Commission should definitely use the Op-ed (link here: http://beta.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/article80961.ece ) jointly collaborated between Mr. Kishan Reddy, BJP MLA from Amberpet and Yudofud Public Strategies, a public strategy firm. The article appeared in the Hindu on the 15th of January 2010 and is an example of an argument sans rhetroic where reason alone stood out.
Aditya Rao
MIG-A-59,
Dr. A. S. RAO NAGAR,
Hyderabad 500062
When AP was formed, Telangana had many industries, but as time progressed majority of the industries were shut. Since the formation of AP there was no noticable development in Telangana may it be irrigation, industries, literacy. All the irrigation projects which came into operation have been benefitting mostly andhra. YSR's jalayagnam had devadula project on its papers but was never given priority in his term, only one tenth of the project is finished in almost 8 years. Unless something is done for the development of this region, the movement will not halt.
There is a confusion in the minds of Telangana people as to whether a separate state is necessary or if so, whether the politicians would be good enough to uphold their commitment for the complete development of the region. In this situation, people are trying to panic. The region according to me is like any other region. They say non-T people have better opportunities. That comment is more due to their inferiority complex. There is no system in the state government which uses reservation for non-T people in public sector or educational sector. Its their illogical belief imbibed onto them by their ancestors that the region is backward. I want those protagonists of Telangana to come to the backward places of non-T regions and check the levels of development there. I guess the main reason for the restlessness of Telangana people is poverty which is clearly not due to not-being-a-separate-state but because of some rich-poor-density-differences. So their war should not have region as their agenda but the system causing inequalities as their agenda.
Jai Samaikhyaandhra...
I believe that there is no logic behind a demand for a separate state of Telangana. Hyderabad, Rangareddy and Medak districts are far ahead on developmental parameters compared to rest of Andhra Pradesh. Today, Hyderabad alone accounts for about 35%-40% of the state's revenues and Telangana(including Hyderabad) accounts for about 55%-60% of the state revenues. True, some north telangana districts are as backward as Srikakulam, Vijayanagarm, Vishakhapatnam or Rayalseema districts. I believe the issue of state separation is more of a political demand rather than anything else.
Political Parties failed to fulfill the promises of the people. They failed even to keep their promises they made to Telangana People through their manifestos. The present movement is the ourburst of frustation. Instead of killing the people, it is wise for central govt to commit itself for formation of Telangana and then start the consultation process. People are apprehensive because the committee is constituted to decide whether to give Telengana or not.
To those arguing that Telengana existed before Andhra was part of Madras. Please note that the Hyderabad state also consisted of certain parts of Karnataka & Maharashtra (like Bidar, Raichur - which is now called Hyderabad-Karnataka). The name of the state was Hyderabad and not Karnataka. Is it possible now to reunite these parts with Hyderabad and revert to the State as it existed before Andhra Pradesh was created by merging all Telugu-speaking regions. This is impossible. So, do not think about History and come to the reality. Andhra Pradesh has been created for the preservation of Telugu language and culture. Centuries back all the regions were one. During Nizam rule, some of these were ceded to British and that is how Telugus were divided. Now after independence, all Telugus have been united. Do not spoil this. AP is on the fast track of growth and development and this is being spoiled by the unwanted agitations. If still there are grievances these can be submitted to Sri Krishna Committtee. I think separation of state is not a permanent solution to problems of the Telengana people. They will be better off in United state rather than separate Telengana state with larger budget. Small states are ill-equipped to deal with Naxal problems which is another disadvantage. This committee can also bring out the truth on the allegations of neglect of Telengana region, etc., Separation of state is not a small matter to be dealt on the basis of emotions. Even the economics have to be looked into and it should make sense in that respect also. Separate state cannot be created to just please certain power-hungry politicians.
It is important for the Central Government to expose the truth (or rather the extent of it) in full detail about the claims of exploitation of Telangana by Andhra and Rayalaseema people before we go into the decision of whether a separate Telangana is the best way to resolve the gridlock that has affected governance in A.P. For too long, the intellectuals in this country glossed over the fact that entrepreneurs with political patronage garnering the benefits from state is not the same thing as claiming people of other regions somehow ganged up to victimize the people from Telangana region. Whatever the outcome of the Srikrishna commission, it has a moral duty to ensure reconciliation and healing of relations between people
I think it is best to split the state in to 4 states(Telangana, Andhra, greater Rayalseema and Hyderabad), with Hyderabad being created in to a separate state and the excess revenue proportionately distributed(by population of last census) to all remaining 3 states(Telangana, Andhra and Rayalseema ) for next 25 years, till the state capitals are brought in to some acceptable shape. I think this would be a best way going forward, as everybody would feel they are not put at disadvantage. There would be a collective development too.
Govind Desur
Most of the comments talk about the struggle over 50 years as a definite reason to form a separate state. If that qualifies then there should more than another 10 states formed with immediate effect.
119 representatives of people have been said to have been fighting since 10 years for the cause. Had atleast a half of them worked for the real cause they were elected for, atleast for 25 years, there wouldnt have been this problem. So who is to be blamed for?
Pointless enough is the agitation which lacks direction. Its sad to see students and young blood ending life for no cause.
We as India are growing. We have to walk together and look forward.
Language was chosen as the basis for the formation of states in India. We can now chose something else if we have the will and patience to see further problems.
The stance of the now almost defunct JAC against Sri Krishna Committee is strange. The home minister said on 9th December that an appropriate resolution would be moved in the State Assembly. Later events have proved that this cannot happen. Hence the statement on 23rd stressing the need for wide ranging consultations and the formation of Sri Krishna Committee. In a democracy this is the right thing to do. The pro- Telengana elements cannot latch onto only one part of the December 9th statement while ignoring the second part. As the editorial has rightly pointed out all right thinking people should wait for the committee to complete its deliberations and come up with its recommendations. It also provides the right forum for all aggrieved sections to put forward their case. Spurning the committee and insisting on a unilateral move on Telengana is undemocratic.
If you keep looking back at history you will find that we were part of British empire. Younger generations shouldn't fight based on what happened in the past but should solve today's problems. European Union, United Germany shows you how people are trying to break boundaries. We should re-organize states on non-linguistic basis to avoid regional parties like Shiv Sena, TRS derail the country.
Many say the Terms of Reference are not acceptable to Telangana people. I don't understand what they are expecting from Central Govt. The ToR clearly states that it will examine the demand of separate Telangana. T-JAC says that Centre is going back on Dec. 9th's declaration. Central Govt. has already said on Dec. 23 owing to the opposition from Andhra and Rayalaseema people, they will now hold discussions on the demand and that's what they are doing exactly. If T-JAC or others think that a new state will be awarded without consulting the current stake holders I would say that is funny. It is an arrogant argument that Telangana should be created because Telangana people are asking for it. First, the mass agitations are not benchmark for making decisions in a democratic country. If that is the case I don't know why we have a parliament and state legislatures all around the country. Mass agitations are becoming a way for elected legislators relieve themselves of the accountability for governance. Second, the refusal to get to the discussion table is one more sign of arrogance. If you don't even want to discuss how can some say it is a rationale demand?
It's high time that Telangana became a reality. This will end the region's backwardness, farmers/weavers' suicides, and ensure good standard of living. Let the people see the light and live freely. The whole nation should support for the cause.
Your editorial once again is insulting to the people of Telangana. Please try to understand what is going on in Telangana.
First of all what is the validity of this committee? Though Chidambaram had made a reference to the Gentlemen's agreement and Fazal Ali commission, it did not figure in Terms of Reference. When Pandit Nehru himself had told that whenever they wanted they could get separated, why a committee is required to divide the state?
The Telangana agitators have no leadership. They lack direction. The elected representatives are not in a position to tell the public of their mind. It seems Prof.Kodandaram, the convenor of the JAC, has not been accepted by the Congress, Telugu Desam. Why does he still hold on to the post without going to his class room? JAC is now is irrelevant.
Telangana agitators' original claim was that the rest of Andhra Pradesh exploited them. When their claim was confronted by Samaikya Andhra Agitators(SAA), the Telangana side cited self-respect and self-rule as the reason. How did they lose self respect?
The Telangana region was merged with the Andhra State under some agreed terms and conditions (Gentleman's Agreement) to alleviate the apprehensions of the Telangana people who were very much against it and some protested the merger and 3 people died in the following police firing (A memorial constructed in remembrance at Koti). People agitated for the implementation of the Gentleman's agreement, which gave raise to Telangana state agitation. Again people sat and agreed to be united on certain terms and conditions. It's been 54 years since the Telangana region merged with Andhra, yet not a single agreement or a point in those agreement was implemented but it has been violated tooth and nail. After much struggle, the Central government said it will start the process of Telangana formation, on Dec. 9 2009 and now we are talking about a committee. What is that we should submit to this committee and how binding will the outcome of this committee on the Govt?
Everybody concurs that Telangana has been neglected, exploited and yet wants it to be together so that it is completely exploited of all the resources.
Your editorial is biased and ignores the fundamental facts regarding the chronic neglect, denial, and systematic exploitation of this region by consecutive governments headed by leaders from coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema.
Even our rural and hardly educated co-Telanganites could debate or defend why and what their loss has been and is. Such has been impression an NRI like me got in my current trip.
Khullam has written critical comment on the editorial. He has also cited wonderful hypothetical example explaining his disagreement with the editorial. But I just like to remind him that his comment is based on only one assumption that all of people in Telanagana are fighting for the separate statehood. I do not understand what made him think like that. For this purpose a Committee is needed to know if it is really having huge support for a separate statehood. Now I also think that Hyderabad being capital city should be considered without bias. Capital cities are for everyone, not just people of their state or their ethnic group but for all Indians.
The issue requires a comprehensive study as well as an amicable solution which ultimately upholds the unity of India as well as longstanding dream of A.P.
The need of the hour is to tackle this issue by giving due consideration to all relevant points. Those who are in favour of Telangana state & also those who are against it should restrain from indulging in any activities which result in suffering for a common man.
The TJAC is communicating the mood of the people of Telangana and is right in saying that the terms of reference of the Srikrishna committee are not acceptable. TJAC is always ready for a dialogue if the terms are based on the lines of the statement issued by Home Minister.
Well said. It was very unfortunate to note that none of the print or electronic media from AP is advocating this. Everyone has to agree that cosultations play critical role in democracy but not the attempts of instigations. At the end we are all Indians and strive to develop the country. I really couldn't understand the actual intentions of the political drama. Now there is a committee comprising experts and everyone can present their grieviences to the committee. It is really pity to see the entire media is trying to focus on TRP ratings but not on contributing towards the resolution of the issue amicably. Thank god.. We have a section of media advocating the democratical approach.
It's time now that TRS and other pro-Telangana parties showed some patience. Though I didn't agree with your earlier two articles on this issue, I fully support this article and everyone concerned should work amicably and not let our tempers take over our reasoning. Now what we want is peace in the region, enough with bandhs.
The terms of reference are a clear stand against Telangana statehood. I wonder how you find them as a balanced stand.
This is not the first committee that was formed regarding the Telangana issue and no one knows how many more committees will be formed to for examining the demands of Telangana people. The Central government should be very much sincere in resolving this issue irrespective of political interests. As long as the agitation continues in Telangana and other regions of Andhra Pradesh, the lives of the middle class will deteriorate.
The issue that needs answer is sharing of Hyderabad and river waters. However, this aspect is not clear in the reference.
The Terms Of Reference are not about creating a state of Telangana but rather to examine the demand. It includes all the demands and the talking points of the so-called United Andhra proponents. The Terms of Reference specifically:
1) Do not mention the broken agreements (Gentlemen agreement, the overturned Supreme Court ruling of 1972, etc)
2) Do not even mention the jobs and water distribution issues
3) Tries to divide society along communal, caste lines when there is no need to examine the impact of these sections of the groups in the context of the Telangana creation
The reason the Telanganas and the JAC are distrustful of the committee is because of the past precedents. Instead of chalking a road map for the creation of the T-State, the union government completely catapulted to the Andhra lobby. There is no mandate for creation of the T-State in the 7 Terms of Ref. This is a step backwards from the Home Ministry's 9th Dec statement.
The Home Minister announced in December that the process of forming the State of Telangana would be initiated and an appropriate resolution moved in the Andhra Pradesh Assembly and the Chief of TRS ended his fast after that. That turned out to be a false promise. Then the government decided to appoint a committee to study the question of the formation of Telangana and announcied the terms of reference and the time frame for the Telangana Committee. Now the editorial advises the the Joint Action Committee of political parties agitating for a separate State of Telangana to wait for its report, due by December 31, 2010, more than a year after Mr.Chidambaram's late night announcement. That doesn't seem to be a fair advice.
Your editorial on Telangana is biased and prejudiced. People who are interested in a united Andhra have vested interests -- they stand to gain at the expense of those in the Telangana region. That, more or less, has been the story for the last five decades anyway. When a section of people wants to be on their own, what right do others have in denying them their wish? If there were divergent views among the people of Telangana, and if some of them were keen on a united Andhra, then it would have been appropriate for the government to ask the committee to consider both options. But this is not the case in Telangana. All people and all parties in Telangana are for the creation of a separate state. So much so some parties are likely to split on this issue. It's only the people (rather politicians) of Rayalaseema and Andhra regions who have vested interest in continuing the status quo. Everyone knows why. It's these people who have gained all along, and want to continue to prosper at the expense of others. So, it's foolish and Machiavillian on the part of the Union government to ask the committee to consider both options, after promising to initiate the legislative process for creation for Telangana. If a marriage is on the rocks and a spouse seeks divorce, would the judge ponder if the marriage should be continued? No. Focus would be on creating an amicable, just and sensible divorce. I don't understand why it should be different if the matter involves Telangana.
You make a convenient case for the so-called terms of reference and advocate patience on the part of Telangana protagonists. In the process you forget several facts: (a) Telangana is a demand that dates back to several decades. In fact, several states were carved out after the forced merger of Telangana State with Andhra; (b) You equate sudden surge by some moneyed interests from Andhra wanting a 'united AP' with the justified demand for T-State, and would like T-supporters to wait. Your piece further conveys the impression that there is a United AP demand from within Telangana as well, which is absolutely false.
Srikrishna Commission has no locus-standi. It was not appointed by Parliament or by a Court. As is so usual in India, the Committees need extensions. And, in the end the report may not even be tabled.
The issue has been boiling since the inception of the AP State itself followed by the Grand Agitation of 1969-70 in which scores were gunned down. The Committee should have been appointed to look into creation of Telangana State. Instead it is told to explore all topics from A to Z with T being one of them. The worst is yet to come, I think.
Carving out a separate state is not a solution for the backwardness of Telangana in particular and all the backward regions in the state in general. United state with a special focus and packages to backward areas may lead to uniform development. The present generations must test this alternative before deciding to go for a separate state.
"Those clamouring for a separate Telangana will surely help their own cause by extending full cooperation to the Srikrishna panel, instead of vitiating the atmosphere again by instigating violence or asking elected political representatives to resign."
Does this committee have any powers? It will only submit the report and the Govt. may or may not accept these recommendations.
We have seen committees like this many a times since 1956; we have no more belief.
Telangana has to be understood in the light of its history. It is not a new state. It was existing even when Andhra was part of Madras. Telangana wants nothing of Andhra after separation but just to be left alone as it was in 1956.
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