This refers to the article, “ >Small States, big problems ” (March 12), which presents a cynical view without supporting data. Uttarakhand has been summarily banished into the category of the most backward; Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand are beyond redemption, and Telangana is to follow them soon. The three smaller States have actually done much better than the mother States, as the analysis of per capita income shows.
K. Anand,
Bangalore
Regionalism is surfacing in areas where there is deprivation and discrimination of one area over the other within a State. The Telangana issue would not have had popular support had there been inclusive development in all areas. In the end, what is required for a State’s development is a stable polity, visionary leadership and a vigilant citizenry.
P.J.S. Sudhakar Naik,
Medak, Andhra Pradesh
The way forward to faster and inclusive growth that would take care of marginalised sections and backward regions of big States should be by initiating special packages such as a Backward Regions Development Fund. There must be an independent body to look into the issue of equitable distribution of such funds.
Durgesh Kumar Bhumarkar,
Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh
A sense of powerlessness is always felt by certain groups — religious, linguistic, caste and class — in a highly plural and multi-layered society like India which encourages these groups to demand a fair share in power. The demand for Telangana, Jharkhand and Uttarakhand should be seen through this prism. Smaller States provided them a ray of hope to fulfil their desires, which eventually led to further increase in the demand for smaller States. The importance of political power can be seen through Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s quote, “political power is the master key of all social problems.”
Arvind Kumar,
New Delhi
Not all Muslims in Telangana are with the MIM — now or historically. An example is Makhdoom Mohiuddin, the legendary poet who fought the Nizam and his oppression. The conclusion that another Muzaffarnagar or a Gujarat cannot be ruled out in the near future is far-fetched. And, Telangana will be no small State. Its geographical area will make this clear.
B. Gujja,
Gland, Switzerland
