"Is KCR Riding the Telangana Tiger?" - Prof.M.S.Rao

"One cannot have any respect or regard for men who take the position of the reformer and then refuse to see the logical consequences of that position, let alone following them out in action." - B. R. Ambedkar


Telangana Rastriya Samiti (TRS) leader, K.Chandrasekar Rao’s threat of fast unto death forced the Central Govt. to declare the initiation of a separate Telangana State. Nobody anticipated that it would open the Pandora’s Box. Nobody expected that there would be stiff opposition from Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema who are averse to disintegration of Andhra Pradesh. Even KCR might have not expected the fallout of the fast unto death. When he began the fast, things were under his control. However when he broke the fast immediately by taking the juice, a few students did not appreciate KCR and he was forced to resume fast. By then KCR realized that he was riding the tiger.

The Telangana issue divided the people and political parties on regional lines which is unprecedented where politicians of all political parties of Coastal and Rayalaseema submitted their resignations. All these developments compelled Chidambaram to retract his statement by declaring that all parties would be involved in taking the Telangana issue forward.

The people of Telangana have been craving for a separate state for more than 50 years where these people have different culture although they speak Telugu like their counterparts in Andhra and Rayalaseema. The demand is basically because the region has not developed on par with other regions and there is disproportionate allocation of jobs for Talanganites in the State government. Although Andhra Pradesh had Chief Ministers hailing from Telangana region initially, they rarely focused on the development of this region resulting into regional imbalances. Adding fuel to the fire are the politicians who want to hit the limelight to boost their sagging political fortunes in the name of Telangana. Currently the situation has gone to the extent where Telugus developed mutual hatred and suspicion based on regional lines because of narrow minded politicians of all these regions.

It is rightly said that below average individuals talk about individuals, average individuals emphasize on issues and above average individuals focus on ideas. In this context, it is essential to look at the issue objectively to find out where the real problem lies.

When we look at the complaint of major jobs being occupied by Coastal Andhrites and Rayalaseemites, let us make a provision to allocate jobs proportionately based on the strength of the people of the region without compromising the quality of service. Focus on the development of this region where the people can grow economically. The leaders of all these regions should sit together, find out the reasons for backwardness and chalk out strategies to develop the region.

You cannot get along with a spouse who is unwilling to live with you. When it is clear that separation is the only solution, it is advisable to separate amicably rather than living together and fighting all the times. There should not be any ruptures and ill-will among the people regionally once separation takes place smoothly. These people will unite tomorrow emotionally because they are all Telugus as it is the common thread connecting them.

The issue is a delicate one and it needs to be handled with care and caution. It is like division of property where mother has three sons – Telanganites, Andhrites and Rayalaseemites and all are equal to her. In fact, no mother likes the separation of her children.

Water sharing is the major issue of concern for all. Issues have to be clearly defined. For instance, who shares what and at what proportions? Let there be smooth transition period where the people of Coastal Andhra and Royalaseema invested in Hyderabad who never expected division of the state. Let there be compensation to these two regions proportionately with capital location and capital allotment and investment. It is essential to give time-frame for their establishment and smooth transition.

Role of Students:

Students have to focus on their studies first as lot of time has already been wasted by this time due to bandhs. They should not become puppets in the hands of politicians. They should realize that leaders are not dying in fasts and bandhs but few of their fraternity.

Students of all regions should stay away from active politics as they have a long way to go. They need to focus on their careers currently not on politics. If they are so serious about a career in politics, they can take up the same after completion of their academic education.

Conclusion:

First of all, it is necessary to restore peace and tranquility. Lot of damage has already been done to the State in the name of strikes and Bandhs. People should realize that they are paying for the damage of public property by way of taxes to government.

If children and students don’t concentrate on academic studies they may lose one academic year. To sum up it is essential to create a favorable climate for creating a mechanism based on mutual consensus either for staying united or for a viable division of State.

Sarva Jano Sukino Bhavantu. Let people of all regions live in peace and prosperity.