“A political masterstroke certainly, but the Congress really needs to get its act together if it has to give answers and do justice. Not just to the now enraged Seemandhra people, but also the still skeptical Telangana supporters,” says Ghanta Chakrapani, political analyst and a keen Telangana watcher. He spoke to INN in Hyderabad. Excerpts:
While the coastal and Rayalaseema regions are seething, Telangana still seems untrusting. Why?
It is the past experience. The December 2009 announcement had come at an emotional moment. Now, the popular feeling is that it is a stunt for 2014 elections. The mass movement had come almost to a standstill and the Congress has created an artificial moment.
It is the absence of excitement that comes with winning when you are no longer trying. But, even now, there is no clear announcement. There are eight issues even for Telangana in the four points of the announcement. Hyderabad is contentious. And so is Polavaram. It does not appear that legitimacy will be granted to the core issues we had wanted. The scope would be clearly defined once this goes to the cabinet, I think. The essence of Telangana is still not captured.
Do you see the process going through?
Since the bill is not for the Monsoon Session of Parliament, there is still about four months’ time. The Congress party may use this time to clear doubts and create some credibility. At this point of time, it appears that the Congress is in a position to manipulate and maneuver. Given Telangana Rashtra Samiti’s cautious approach, it seems even TRS can be managed. For the last two weeks, the Congress seems to have gained an upper hand. If they can maintain the tempo and take steps to assure people all over, I think it can go through. At this point of time, it does look plausible.
Will it be possible for the Congress to sustain the electoral benefit?
See, the party has done a great balancing act, smoothing ruffled feathers. They gave two ministerial berths each to the Kapu and Kamma community. They have tapped the strong SC base with Mala and Dalit Christians covered. They have set up a nice game with pawns readied from all communities. The recent Panchayat elections also showed that they are on a winning streak. They have been able to neutralise Jagan. There don’t seem to be too many factors against it now. The announcement was a political masterstroke.
How will they be able to assuage the angry masses of coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema?
That is what I mean by saying they need to build credibility. And create mass indifference among the people of the other two regions about the politics of this issue. If they can come up with an effective development plan, announce new jobs, new Central universities and educational institutions such as IITs and IIMs. They need to act quick and work out a package. I believe it has to be done within a month. People on both sides will benefit if the Congress shows sincerity and seriousness. Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema have immense potential and mammoth resources.
Which state has six airports within just two regions? Eleven ports have been identified there.
As new Raipur was built in Chattisgarh, if a new capital is formed in the ‘Seemandhra’ region, you can create a lot of employment. All this, of course, depends on how the Congress will take it forward.
There are issues for Telangana too.
Certainly. Water is an issue. We still need to discuss Polavaram project. Capital is an issue. Joint capital or temporary capital or UT. The coming months are crucial.
