Showing posts sorted by relevance for query Andhra Pradesh. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query Andhra Pradesh. Sort by date Show all posts

Friday, November 01, 2013

'Happy Birthday Andhra Pradesh': A Sad Day Of Formation And Likely Bifurcation Makes People To 'Think Twice'!

By M H Ahssan / INN Live

'Happy Birthday Andhra Pradesh' has a sad tinge to it today. For this November 1 could well be the last Andhra Pradesh Formation Day that the state is celebrating in its present form. If the Congress has its way, by December, the state would be cut into two to create a new state of Telangana with ten districts while the remaining 13 districts would continue to call themselves Andhra Pradesh.

Sunday, June 05, 2016

Fake Federalism: How 'National Parties' Turned The Concept Of 'Rajya' In Rajya Sabha Into A Farce?

By NEWSCOP | INNLIVE 

The upper House of Parliament, literally a Council of States, was meant to be a federal chamber to look out for the interests of the states.

The continued abuse of the idea of the Rajya Sabha – or the Council of States – by the so-called national parties continues with the upcoming round of Rajya Sabha elections.

Monday, July 04, 2016

No End For 'Water War' Of Telangana And Andhra Pradesh, But Can They Win The Battle?

By RADHAKRISHNA | INNLIVE

Several irrigation projects in both states are stuck over disagreements on water-sharing, even as drought-like conditions persist year after year.

Late in May, tensions erupted once again in Andhra Pradesh’s Rayalaseema region over the Rajolibanda Diversion Scheme, an inter-state barrage to supply water to Andhra, Karnataka and Telangana.

Farmers from Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool – one of four districts that form the water-starved Rayalaseema – are up in arms against those in neighbouring Mahabubnagar in Telangana, both of which are fed by the irrigation project.

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Telangana: Inevitable And Desirable

The HNN has argued editorially that a just and sustainable solution to the Telangana issue can be found within an undivided Andhra Pradesh. 

In the winter of 1953, the Fazal Ali Commission was set up to reorganise the States of the Indian Republic. Its recommendation to go about creating States on linguistic lines, indirectly paved the way for the creation of Andhra Pradesh. Andhra was formed from the northern districts of the erstwhile Madras state and the southern districts of the erstwhile Hyderabad state — though the committee itself did not advocate such a merger and was against it.

Fifty-six winters later, the very concept of the creation of States based on linguistic lines has become passé. We need to look for fresh parameters for the creation of States, and that has to be based on holistic development on economic and social lines for better administration and management. This fact has been proven with the creation of Chhattisgarh from Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand from Bihar and Uttaranchal from Uttar Pradesh.

Two issues that seem to be at the centre of the contention between the two regions of Andhra Pradesh is the future of Hyderabad and the repercussions in terms of the sharing of river waters from the completed and planned irrigation projects after the division of the State. Any entity, political or otherwise, that is able to find pragmatic solutions to this conundrum would not only earn the respect of the people of the State but also help set a precedent in the matter of contentious State divisions in the future.

Economics of small States
The case for small States can be argued with two parameters of macroeconomic statistics from the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. The first parameter is the percentage increase in Gross Domestic Product for States between 1999-2000, when the smaller States were created, and 2007-2008. India’s overall GDP increased by 75 per cent during this time period. During the same period, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Uttaranchal recorded more than 100 per cent, 150 per cent and 180 per cent increase respectively. These rates were much above the rate at which national GDP increased. This clearly indicates that the recent creation of smaller States was a step in the right direction.

Experts have often argued that the creation of smaller States has been at the expense of the States they were created from. For all its lack of governance, Uttar Pradesh grew by more than 21 per cent of the national average during this time period.

The second parameter, the percentage contribution of States to national GDP, helps negate the myth of smaller States growing at the expense of the States they are created from. Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh each contributed the same amount to national GDP. While the contributions of Bihar and Madhya Pradesh increased by 0.01 per cent and 0.06 per cent respectively, Uttar Pradesh’s contribution to national GDP increased by 1.2 per cent during the same time period. This is more than Chhattisgarh’s percentage increase in the contribution of 0.64 per cent to national GDP, the highest increase among the three newly created smaller States.

Capital politics
Hyderabad is an integral part of Telangana and a Telangana State without Hyderabad as the capital is inconceivable. However, the militant rhetoric of some political parties has made people of other areas feel unwelcome, creating an air of mistrust among the Telugu-speaking people of various regions. This is not only constitutionally illegal but also extremely foolish as it affects the image of Brand Hyderabad. Everybody who has come to Hyderabad in search of a better quality of life must be protected. Rhetorical slogans such as Telangana waalon jaago, Andhra waalon bhago gives the impression of an exclusionist movement that forces people of the non-Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh out of Hyderabad rather than a movement where the people of Telangana want greater autonomy for their region. 

Significantly, when Maharashtra and Gujarat were created from the then Bombay state on the recommendation of the States Reorganisation Commission, there was fear about Mumbai losing its importance as a financial nerve-centre as a lot of investment in Mumbai had been made by Gujarati business people. The creation of two separate States did not halt Mumbai’s rapid development. In fact, it additionally paved the way for the development of Ahmedabad and Surat as alternative financial centres. Hyderabad can emulate the same model. As in the past 400 years, the city can continue to welcome people with open arms rather than close its gates to fresh talent and creative ideas.

The people of the Andhra and Rayalaseema regions feel that the benefits reaped from Hyderabad must be accessible to all those who have been equal stakeholders in the city’s development. The solution to this is not alternative models such as according Hyderabad the status of a Union Territory or making Hyderabad a joint capital for the States carved out of present-day Andhra Pradesh. These solutions are just not practical. A better approach would be to plan a special financial package for the development of a new State capital for the non-Telangana region. Pragmatism would dictate that the special package be funded through some form of cess on the city of Hyderabad for a limited period rather than running to large financial institutions for loans, as has been proposed by some political entities.

Social dynamics of water
About 70 per cent of the catchment area of the Krishna and close to 80 per cent of the catchment area of the Godavari is located in the Telangana region. Across the world, water distribution and sharing schemes between two areas is calculated on the basis of the percentage of the catchment area that lies in the region. Other factors that influence water-sharing accords is the population of a given region, the projected usage of water for industry and the domestic population, and the physical contours of the region through which the river flows.

Take the instance of the Godavari, where the areas planned for large dams in the Telangana have not been found feasible for various reasons. As the Sriramsagar project on the Godavari already exists, it is not feasible to build another large dam on the Godavari until after the Pranahitha tributary joins the Godavari. There is not enough water to be harnessed on a continuous basis for the project to be economically feasible if the dam is built before the Pranahitha joins the main river. The Inchampally project, a national project whose benefits are to be shared between the States of Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh, was one such large project that was proposed. Though the project was conceived a long time ago, it has run into typical issues that are usually associated with projects that have multiple States as stakeholders. 

Though Andhra Pradesh, by large, is the main beneficiary of the project, the project plan estimates more forest land being submerged in Maharashtra (47.7 per cent) than in Andhra Pradesh (29.9 per cent; all land in Telangana). An equal amount of cultivable land will be submerged in Chhattisgarh (41.8 per cent) and Andhra Pradesh (42.2 per cent; all land in Telangana). And, more villages that belong to Maharashtra (100) will be submerged as compared to Andhra Pradesh (65). This has obviously made the other States reluctant to move as quickly as Andhra Pradesh on this project.

The link canal that has been planned between Inchampally and Nagarjuna Sagar that is proposed to irrigate the regions of Telangana in between also involves prohibitive costs as a result of the 107-metre lift that is required for the water to reach the Nagarjuna Sagar. The lift itself will require a separate hydro-electric power project for the project to be feasible. Commonsense and pragmatism would have ensured that a project in Kanthamapalli or Kaleswaram be pursued. Additionally, three smaller step- dams between Yellampalli and Sriramsagar must be devised with a realistic State-level river-interlinking plan. Inchampally is not an exception, but the trend in how political leaders across the aisle in Telangana have been caught up in the big-projects-to-line-my-pockets mentality at the cost of the development of the region by looking at smaller, realistic projects to execute.

The finale
The Telangana agitation is the only such movement in India that involves a capital city located in the region that is fighting for separation from the main State. This clearly reflects on the lack of governance and civic administration in this area as the benefits of having a State capital in the hinterland have not trickled down to other areas in that region.

Smaller States still need a good and vibrant administration to be recipes for success. Chhattisgarh is a fine example of how an effective administration could turn around a State in all aspects of development. The development that has happened in the Chhattisgarh region from Independence till 2000 has in fact been less than the development that has taken place from the time a new State was created in 2000 till now. The first Telangana Chief Minister would have done a great service to the infant State should he take a prescription from Chhattisgarh’s most famous Ayurvedic doctor.

Monday, June 17, 2013

Focus: The Story Of A Jailed Prince In Andhra Pradesh

By Chinnaiah Jangam (Guest Writer)

Since May 2012 Y S Jaganmohan Reddy of the YSR Congress has been incarcerated in jail in Hyderabad as an accused in multiple financial scams and for amassing disproportionate wealth using his father Y S Rajasekhara Reddy's political power. This article throws light on the historical and social roots of the rise of such personalities and illuminates the complex dynamics of democratic politics in Andhra Pradesh.

Saturday, October 05, 2013

Post-Bifurcation, State Will Remain As 'Andhra Pradesh'

By M H Ahssan / INN Live

Andhra Pradesh may be divided, but it will not cease to exist. Seemandhra, or what will be left over after carving out the Telangana state, will retain the name, as a consolation prize.

As per the Cabinet note on Telangana prepared by the Union Home Ministry and accessed by INN, it was proposed that the new state be named as ‘Telangana’ and the name of residuary state may be retained as Andhra Pradesh.

Friday, July 07, 2017

Inside Chandrababu Naidu’s plan to make Andhra Pradesh a sunrise state

Nara Chandrababu Naidu’s ‘Sunrise Andhra Pradesh-Vision 2029’ aims to make the state India’s most developed, overcoming the legacy issues that came with the creation of Telangana.

In the calendar of the state administration of Andhra Pradesh, the second day of the week is not a Monday. Instead, it is designated Polavaram day—after the ambitious multi-purpose irrigation project that entails interlinking the unruly waters of the Godavari and the Krishna to bridge the water deficit in the latter’s river basin.

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Telangana Bill Effect: Post-Andhra Pradesh Split On Division Of Infrastructure And Utilization Scenario?

By Uttam Nair | INNLIVE

The Telangana bill, which provides for bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh, specifically mentions how coal, oil, gas and power infrastructure and educational institutions would be divided and set up after creation of the new state.

Of the total equity of Singareni Collieries Company (SCCL), 51 per cent shall be with the government of Telangana and 49 per cent with government of India.

Existing coal linkages of SCCL will continue without any change, new linkages shall be allotted to the successor states as per the New Coal Distribution Policy of the Centre.

Friday, January 17, 2014

Rivers Of Discord Between Telangana And Seemandhra?

By Srinivas Rao | INN Live

Krishna and Godavari rivers rise in the Western Ghats and flow to the Bay of Bengal through the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Since the annicuts were built during the British rule a 100 years ago, they provided kharif irrigation to both the river deltas.

After Andhra Pradesh state was formed in 1956, the construction of Nagarjuna Sagar reservoir provided for rabi irrigation in the Krishna delta. Similarly, after the construction of Pochampad dam in 1969, the Godavari delta got rabi irrigation.

Monday, September 23, 2013

AP Rivers Of Discord Between Telangana, Seemandhra?

By M H Ahssan / INN Live

Krishna and Godavari rivers rise in the Western Ghats and flow to the Bay of Bengal through the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Since the annicuts were built during the British rule a 100 years ago, they provided kharif irrigation to both the river deltas.

After Andhra Pradesh state was formed in 1956, the construction of Nagarjuna Sagar reservoir provided for rabi irrigation in the Krishna delta. Similarly, after the construction of Pochampad dam in 1969, the Godavari delta got rabi irrigation.

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Andhra Pradesh Tops In 'Crimes Against Women'

At a time when Andhra Pradesh, and Hyderabad in particular, is drawing hundreds of women software professionals from all over the country, the state has earned the dubious distinction for crimes against the fair sex.

The latest statistics of the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) for 2012 reveals a telling tale of increasing crimes against women in the state, much more than any other part of the country. Of the 1,85,312 crimes against women in the entire country in 20012, 24,738 cases, or 13.3 percent, were reported from Andhra Pradesh. 

Even more disturbing is the statistics pertaining to Hyderabad and its outskirts. A comparison of crimes against women in 35 cities across the country shows that Hyderabad stands second, next only to Delhi. While 4,331 cases (17.5 per cent) were registered in Delhi, Hyderabad came second with 1,931 cases (7.8 per cent). Vijayawada topped in the number of eve-teasing cases by accounting for 11.3 per cent of the total cases in the country. 

“If the police is strict in dealing with the offenders, things would not have come to such a pass. One of the reasons why there are more crimes against women is that law enforcers do not deal with the offenders firmly,” says G Sucharitha, joint director, gender programming, Centre for World Solidarity. 

Interestingly, Andhra Pradesh, which has 7.2 per cent of the country’s population, has reported 13.3 per cent of cases of crimes against women while Uttar Pradesh, which has 16.6 per cent of the country’s population, reported 11.3 per cent or 20,993 cases. According to NCRB figures, crimes against women in general in the country have been increasing every year. In 2009, there were 1,40,601 cases, in 2010 1,54,333 cases, in 2011 1,55,553 cases and in 2012 there were 1,64,765 cases. 

Another disturbing trend is that the rate of crime has increased against women. While the overall, rate of crimes against women increased marginally from 14.7 per cent in 2011 to 16.3 per cent in 2012, for Andhra Pradesh in particular, it has been bad. 


The crime rate against women increased by 30.3 in Andhra Pradesh, which is almost that of Tripura at 30.7 per cent which is at the top. “Women in Andhra Pradesh feel unsafe because the government is also not sincere in ensuring their protection,” said women’s rights activist Noorjehan Siddiqui. 

What is also alarming is the number of torture cases in the state. Of the 75,930 cases registered in the country under section 498A IPC (dowry harassment), as many as 11,335 cases (14.9%) are from Andhra Pradesh. Only Tripura is slightly ahead with 15.7 per cent. 

“There are two reasons why such cases are more in AP. There is an insatiable desire for dowry here. Even people who go abroad demand dowry,” an IG in the CID said. 

That is not all. AP with 3,316 cases has the most number of sexual harassment cases in the country. This is 30.3 per cent of the total number of cases. Even in cases pertaining to the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, in Andhra Pradesh, the most number of cases have been registered. In all, 1005 cases were registered, which is 83.8 per cent of cases registered in the entire country.


Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Opinion: Make Democracy To Dance For The Sake Of Power

By Sai Prasan (Guest Writer)

Both the United Andhra Pradesh and Telangana agitations share a common feature. In both the movements, the 16.2% of scheduled caste (SC) and 6.6% of schedule tribe (ST) followed by 45% backward castes (BC) of the total state population are the worst victim. The per capita income of the deprived section is also much lower than the 22% population of the upper castes who are most influential in the state. The deprived section are the foot solidiers and the vanguards of both the movements though the upper castes are steering the same at both ends of the state.

Saturday, March 01, 2014

President's Rule In Andhra Pradesh, Telangana Bill Okayed

By Kajol Singh | INNLIVE

The Bill to carve out Telangana received the assent of President Pranab Mukherjee who also signed the proclamation to impose central rule in Andhra Pradesh.

The Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Bill 2014, which got Parliament's approval on February 20 despite strong opposition from Seemandhra leaders, got the Presidential assent, paving the way for creation of the country's 29th state by splitting Andhra Pradesh.

There will be 13 districts in residuary Andhra Pradesh while Telangana will have 10 districts, including the Hyderabad city.

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Why 'Chandrababu' Is 'Scared' On 'Cash-For-Vote' Scam?

Caught in the middle of the cash-for-votes scam, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu will be meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley. He is likely to demand a probe into the alleged cash-for-vote scam.

As the wrangling between the Andhra and Telangana intensified, 50 FIRs were registered by Andhra Pradesh Police against Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao for alleged illegal tapping of phones of his Andhra counterpart.

Sunday, December 07, 2008

AP Tops in Crimes Against Women

By M H Ahssan

At a time when Andhra Pradesh, and Hyderabad in particular, is drawing hundreds of women software professionals from all over the country, the state has earned the dubious distinction for crimes against the fair sex.


The latest statistics of the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) for 2007 reveals a telling tale of increasing crimes against women in the state, much more than any other part of the country. Of the 1,85,312 crimes against women in the entire country in 2007, 24,738 cases, or 13.3 percent, were reported from Andhra Pradesh.

Even more disturbing is the statistics pertaining to Hyderabad and its outskirts. A comparison of crimes against women in 35 cities across the country shows that Hyderabad stands second, next only to Delhi. While 4,331 cases (17.5 per cent) were registered in Delhi, Hyderabad came second with 1,931 cases (7.8 per cent). Vijayawada topped in the number of eve-teasing cases by accounting for 11.3 per cent of the total cases in the country.

“If the police is strict in dealing with the offenders, things would not have come to such a pass. One of the reasons why there are more crimes against women is that law enforcers do not deal with the offenders firmly,” says G Sucharitha, joint director, gender programming, Centre for World Solidarity.

Interestingly, Andhra Pradesh, which has 7.2 per cent of the country’s population, has reported 13.3 per cent of cases of crimes against women while Uttar Pradesh, which has 16.6 per cent of the country’s population, reported 11.3 per cent or 20,993 cases. According to NCRB figures, crimes against women in general in the country have been increasing every year. In 2003, there were 1,40,601 cases, in 2004 1,54,333 cases, in 2005 1,55,553 cases and in 2006 there were 1,64,765 cases.

Another disturbing trend is that the rate of crime has increased against women. While the overall, rate of crimes against women increased marginally from 14.7 per cent in 2006 to 16.3 per cent in 2007, for Andhra Pradesh in particular, it has been bad.

The crime rate against women increased by 30.3 in Andhra Pradesh, which is almost that of Tripura at 30.7 per cent which is at the top. “Women in Andhra Pradesh feel unsafe because the government is also not sincere in ensuring their protection,” said women’s rights activist Noorjehan Siddiqui.

What is also alarming is the number of torture cases in the state. Of the 75,930 cases registered in the country under section 498A IPC (dowry harassment), as many as 11,335 cases (14.9%) are from Andhra Pradesh. Only Tripura is slightly ahead with 15.7 per cent.

“There are two reasons why such cases are more in AP. There is an insatiable desire for dowry here. Even people who go abroad demand dowry,” an IG in the CID said.

That is not all. AP with 3,316 cases has the most number of sexual harassment cases in the country. This is 30.3 per cent of the total number of cases. Even in cases pertaining to the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, in Andhra Pradesh, the most number of cases have been registered. In all, 1005 cases were registered, which is 83.8 per cent of cases registered in the entire country.

Saturday, December 06, 2008

Reel Hero to Real Hero - Chiranjeevi

By Swati Reddy

Does history always repeat itself?
After 25 years, once again one reel hero wants to become a real hero. South India's famous film star Chiranjeevi wants to repeat ex-Chief Minister and greatest Andhraite Late NT Ramarao's (NTR) success. But political and social environment of Andhra Pradesh are completely different this time comparing with 25 years ago.

Films to Politics
NTR had proved that it is possible for a film star to successfully venture in to politics. Congress had continuously ruled Andhra Pradesh a state formed on November 1, 1956, till 1982. NTR's, Telugu Desham Party (TDP) overthrew the incumbent Congrees and came to power in 1983, within nine months of its formation. An achievment for any regional partry.

It will not be easy for Chiranjeevi to emulate NTR's success as the people then had only two parties to choose from compared to the present scenario where his party has to compete with not only major national parties (Congress, BJP, CPI) but also strong regional parties (Telugu Desham Party, Telangana Rashtra Samiti).

Congress had changed three Chief Ministers between Jan '82 and Oct' 82. It had helped NTR to garner public opinion on the ground of 'Atma Gauravam' (self-respect), that no Congress CM had ever completed his term of five years and the CM was just a toy in the hands of Delhi.

But this time around Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Rajashekher Reddy is successfully completing his term. So, this time around Chiranjeevi will not have the advantage that NTR had.

Regional compulsions
Chiranjeevi's political future depends on many issues. His first challenge would be how he will address the 'Telangana' issue. Andhra Pradesh includes three regions - Telangana, Raayalaseema and Coastal region (Costa). Telangana is demanding a separate state and Coastal Andhra and Raayalaseema are strongly against this.

Meanwhile, people of Andhra Pradesh are keenly watching how Chiranjeevi will handle this issue because he comes from Costa. If he supports Telangana, he does not get support from other two regions.

He felt the heat of regional politics few years back when he played a Raayalaseema resident in his film 'Indra' and kissed the land of Raayalaseema in a particular scene. His fans of other regions had vehemently opposed his act in that scene. Striking a balance between the issues of these three regions is critically important to his political career.

NTR then had no political compulsion to take a stand on Telangana issue. Presently, the demand for a separate state of Telangana is like a hot potato and no party can afford to ignore this.

Caste politics too plays a major role in every region in Andhra Pradesh. There are three major casts Kamma, Kaapu and Reddy here. Lakhs of his fans will have to break these caste lines to bring their 'hero' at the center of politics. And this generally doesn't happen in India, especially when it comes to caste.

Star power
In politics NTR didn't have any opposition from the film industry. On the other hand most of the film stars supported his endeavor. This time around the film industry is divided in its support to various political parties.

The coming elections will be a star-studded one. With every star trying to en-cash his reel image aura to garner votes for their respective parties.

NTR's son Balakrishna and Harikrishna and grandson Junior NTR are supporting TDP.

Dr Rajashekar and his wife Jeevita have joined Congress recently. Another famous film star Krishna and his son Mahesh Babu are likely to campaign for Congress, which is likely to bring in huge support for the party.

Chiranjeevi's bothers Nagendra Babu and Pawan Kalyan, son Ram Charan and son-in-law Allu Arjun are already playing a big role in shaping their upcoming party.

All the above film stars have ruled the film industry one time or the other and have even competed against each other at the box-office. Now it has to be seen, how these stars will convert their fan following into votes.

Chiranjeevi means living forever
Chiranjeevi was formerly known as Konidela Shiva Shankara Vara Prasad (KSSV Prasad). He was christened Chiranjeevi after he had a dream in which lord Hanuman addressed him as 'Chiranjeevi'. He also felt that this name would suit his film career.

Chiranjeevi's hard work and dedication towards his profession brought him success and big fan fallowing. Fans down south emulated every act, dialogue, dress-style and dance in his films, resulting in more than three thousand fans clubs. Through these fan clubs he has pioneered eye and blood donation drives.

He is a mass icon of Andhra Pradesh. All set for his political career. He mentioned at the press conference on 17th August that his motivation to enter politics came from ex president Abdul Kalam and the people of Andhra Pradesh. Unlike politicians, his focus is poverty and not political parties. He rightly chooses Mother Teresa's birthday to announce his party on August 26.

Political parties like Congress, TDP and BJP have already started targeting Chiranjeevi's upcoming new party. Spokespersons of these political parties mention that he comes from glamour world and he doesn't know anything about Andhra Pradesh and state politics.

We will know how true are the above allegations, only when Chiranjeevi goes to the people for votes.

Reel Hero to Real Hero - Chiranjeevi

By Swati Reddy

Does history always repeat itself?
After 25 years, once again one reel hero wants to become a real hero. South India's famous film star Chiranjeevi wants to repeat ex-Chief Minister and greatest Andhraite Late NT Ramarao's (NTR) success. But political and social environment of Andhra Pradesh are completely different this time comparing with 25 years ago.

Films to Politics
NTR had proved that it is possible for a film star to successfully venture in to politics. Congress had continuously ruled Andhra Pradesh a state formed on November 1, 1956, till 1982. NTR's, Telugu Desham Party (TDP) overthrew the incumbent Congrees and came to power in 1983, within nine months of its formation. An achievment for any regional partry.

It will not be easy for Chiranjeevi to emulate NTR's success as the people then had only two parties to choose from compared to the present scenario where his party has to compete with not only major national parties (Congress, BJP, CPI) but also strong regional parties (Telugu Desham Party, Telangana Rashtra Samiti).

Congress had changed three Chief Ministers between Jan '82 and Oct' 82. It had helped NTR to garner public opinion on the ground of 'Atma Gauravam' (self-respect), that no Congress CM had ever completed his term of five years and the CM was just a toy in the hands of Delhi.

But this time around Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Rajashekher Reddy is successfully completing his term. So, this time around Chiranjeevi will not have the advantage that NTR had.

Regional compulsions
Chiranjeevi's political future depends on many issues. His first challenge would be how he will address the 'Telangana' issue. Andhra Pradesh includes three regions - Telangana, Raayalaseema and Coastal region (Costa). Telangana is demanding a separate state and Coastal Andhra and Raayalaseema are strongly against this.

Meanwhile, people of Andhra Pradesh are keenly watching how Chiranjeevi will handle this issue because he comes from Costa. If he supports Telangana, he does not get support from other two regions.

He felt the heat of regional politics few years back when he played a Raayalaseema resident in his film 'Indra' and kissed the land of Raayalaseema in a particular scene. His fans of other regions had vehemently opposed his act in that scene. Striking a balance between the issues of these three regions is critically important to his political career.

NTR then had no political compulsion to take a stand on Telangana issue. Presently, the demand for a separate state of Telangana is like a hot potato and no party can afford to ignore this.

Caste politics too plays a major role in every region in Andhra Pradesh. There are three major casts Kamma, Kaapu and Reddy here. Lakhs of his fans will have to break these caste lines to bring their 'hero' at the center of politics. And this generally doesn't happen in India, especially when it comes to caste.

Star power
In politics NTR didn't have any opposition from the film industry. On the other hand most of the film stars supported his endeavor. This time around the film industry is divided in its support to various political parties.

The coming elections will be a star-studded one. With every star trying to en-cash his reel image aura to garner votes for their respective parties.

NTR's son Balakrishna and Harikrishna and grandson Junior NTR are supporting TDP.

Dr Rajashekar and his wife Jeevita have joined Congress recently. Another famous film star Krishna and his son Mahesh Babu are likely to campaign for Congress, which is likely to bring in huge support for the party.

Chiranjeevi's bothers Nagendra Babu and Pawan Kalyan, son Ram Charan and son-in-law Allu Arjun are already playing a big role in shaping their upcoming party.

All the above film stars have ruled the film industry one time or the other and have even competed against each other at the box-office. Now it has to be seen, how these stars will convert their fan following into votes.

Chiranjeevi means living forever
Chiranjeevi was formerly known as Konidela Shiva Shankara Vara Prasad (KSSV Prasad). He was christened Chiranjeevi after he had a dream in which lord Hanuman addressed him as 'Chiranjeevi'. He also felt that this name would suit his film career.

Chiranjeevi's hard work and dedication towards his profession brought him success and big fan fallowing. Fans down south emulated every act, dialogue, dress-style and dance in his films, resulting in more than three thousand fans clubs. Through these fan clubs he has pioneered eye and blood donation drives.

He is a mass icon of Andhra Pradesh. All set for his political career. He mentioned at the press conference on 17th August that his motivation to enter politics came from ex president Abdul Kalam and the people of Andhra Pradesh. Unlike politicians, his focus is poverty and not political parties. He rightly chooses Mother Teresa's birthday to announce his party on August 26.

Political parties like Congress, TDP and BJP have already started targeting Chiranjeevi's upcoming new party. Spokespersons of these political parties mention that he comes from glamour world and he doesn't know anything about Andhra Pradesh and state politics.

We will know how true are the above allegations, only when Chiranjeevi goes to the people for votes.

Monday, December 15, 2008

Fate of AP and Thoughts on Kamma, Reddy and Kapu!

By Gudipoodi Srihari

Today you find every one conscious of the fate of A.P., making this issue a debate point, as to whether or not the state would be split into Telangana and Andhra. Some feel if it happens it is a retrograde step, going back to the early days of 1954, when Andhra State was first formed with Tanguturi Prakasam Pantulu as its first chief minister functioning from Kurnool as state Capital. We earned the statehood after the martyrdom of Potti Sriramulu, who laid his life for this cause, fasting unto death.

At that time other part of Andhra Pradesh was existing as Hyderabad state, with Burgula Ramakrishna Rao, as chief minister, after military action undertaken by the then central Home minister Sardar Patel, the Iron Man. He redeemed the state from the hands of the Sixth Nizam, a ruler then, ending the Muslim rule and uniting this with Indian Union.

That was also the time when the patriots in Telangana were struggling to realize this dream of retrieval of land of Telugus for Telugus. They included great names like Burgula, Madapati Hanumantha Rao, Jamalapuram Kesava Rao who was known as Telangana Kesari a la Andhra kesari -Tanguturi Prakasam and many more persons aspiring for this merger of Telugus of Telangana with Telugus of Andhra. At the same time, the Communist party of India was also craving for the formation of 'Visalaandhra', combining Telangana with main land of Andhra.

History of Telugus says that 'Andhra' is the original word found in 'puranas' too. Pt.Jawaharlal Nehru was convinced of the need of formation of states on linguistic basis. Accordingly the state of Andhra Pradesh was formed with Burgula, also a staunch linguist, acceding to the realization of this dream. Parts of Hyderabad state joined with Karnataka and Maharastra and states were formed on linguistic basis. Everything had settled down well, for good. This is the flashback before the formation of the State for Telugus called Andhra Pradesh on November 1, 1956. It was a real struggle for Andhras to get the state out of the hands of C.Rajagopalachari, who was working against the interest of re-organization of states on linguistic base. At that time, Andhrites were more in number in Madras city and hence demanded to make Madras as the capital of Andhra relinquishing the rights of Tamils on the city. But Rajagopalachari succeeded to keep the city of Madras with Madras state, later named as Tamilnadu. It was said that Andhra leaders preferred to forego the city in the interest of forming their own state of Andhra. Hence Kurnool became their capital.

The story repeats now. Some argue to keep Hyderabad independent state on the lines of New Delhi , administered by central government. This time the division is among the Telugus themselves. The issue now is not the language but the backwardness of Telangana, compared to Andhra. But few know the conditions in Telangana at the time of formation of A.P. Today's Telangana is much advanced, compared to the situation in fifties, some say. Most of the barren land in Telangana area came under cultivation purely because of the migration of farmers from Andhra area. Some of the enterprising men of Andhra area sold their properties there and settled in Telanagana parts in districts like Nizamabad, Khammam, Warangal and even Karimnagar. At the same time persons from the equally barren districts of Rayalaseema too migrated to these parts and launched industries and contributed to the industrialization of Telanagana.

A peep into history tells us that this backwardness in the Telangana was the result of the rule of Nizams and the domination of landlords, working for the Nizam, maintaining their fiefdom. But the large parts of Deccan and the coastal belt of Andhra was all nothing but Andhra, once called Trilinga Desam. Muslim rulers attacked Golconda and other areas and appropriated these lands, thus segregating from the rest of Andhra. They also invaded and appropriated some parts of Kannada and Maratha lands and finally they too added to the Hyderabad state, in the last Muslim rule of Nizam. This rule lasted almost three centuries till the rule of last Nizam. All this land also constitutes main Telugu land. Orugallu ( Warangal) was the birth place of pure Telugu (Achha Telugu), without any Sanskrit words in the sentence or verse. That was pure Telugu. Children were being taught verses and prose in this Achha Telugu, along with the Sanskritized Telugu. One should understand that invasion of the land called Telangana of Deccan plateau by Muslim rulers divided us, though our language and culture being the same. The changes in Telangana culture and language were due to the culture of the invaders. The end of the rule of last Nizam, paved way for the rule of Telugus for Telugus and by Telugus. The merger of Telangana with the rest of the Telugu land called Andhra which included Rayalaseema completed the map of Telugu Desam, that is Andhra Pradesh or 'Visalandhra', call it anyway you like.

Today Hyderabad has turned into a global city, purely because of the efforts put in by all Telugus and also people from other parts of the country. Like the way coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema are parts of Telugu land, Telangana too is part of same Telugu land. The Telugu and Telugu culture are binding factors. I am sure that majority people in Telangana too believe that the change in their lives and the progress they made in different walks of life are the result of this combined strength of Telugus.

Why then this demand for separate Telangana. - Not once but twice? This is not the demand of the people but of the hurt politicians – hurt because they were put away from the seat of power. Or felt belittled or ignored. The only way left for them to take revenge is by dividing the land, like the way children of the same mother demanding their share like the Amana brothers did. It is because of the aspirations of the politicians, who for one reason or the other raised the bogey of separation. The first agitation for a separate Telangana in 1969 was raised by persons who lost political power. They thought that if Telangana is separated, some of them could become the rulers of Telangana. It was power game but not special love for Telugus and Telugu land.

Now a new situation has developed. The eastern parts of Andhra, central coastal people and Rayalaseema too started demanding separate states. Every one of them is taking this as clue to the disgruntled Telugus of Andhra coastal belt those wanted their land ides to separate Telangana. Which means our state is seeking for breaking into four parts. This is surely an alarming situation, if they are really serious. Andhra Pradesh is now fifty years old. We celebrated its Silver Jubilee recently. Quit people belonging to other parts of the state those settled in Telangana and Hyderabad .

In Nizam days the government recognized a person as Hyderabadi, if he lived in Telnagana for a minimum of 15 years. Only then they were getting seats in educational institutions. Now you find many persons born and brought up here. Their elders contributed to the economy of these parts. The separate Telangana agitation and separate Andhra agitation met with natural death because of the wisdom shown by the rulers in the center and state. Jalagam Vengal Rao ruled the state almost at this time of jinx and set everything in order and implemented the six point formula announced by Indira Gandhi., besides taking other measures in trying to keep balance between these two parts - Andhra and Telangana. Andhra Pradesh state fell back to normalcy even during the long rule of Telugu Desam party.

Again the political ambitions of disgruntled politicians raised their heads. In his second term of rule, Chandrababu Naidu, appeared to have ignored the importance of Telangana leader K.Chandra Sekhara Rao and gave him an insignificant portfolio in his cabinet, like he did in his first term rule after he snatched the power from NTR. Rest is history unfolding before our eyes.

This time it was the turn of KCR to launch a separate Telangana Party with the name Telangana Rashtra Samiti and seek separation from Andhra.

The Telangana Rashtra Samithi and Congress joined hands shared seats and contested last General elections and defeated the ruling party- then TDP. The governments in state and centre brought some of the TRS leaders to power.

Meanwhile the BJP leader A.Narendra also tugged with KCR. Both were ministers in the center and some of TRS MLAs joined state cabinet. KCR and Narendra kept up the pressure on Sonia Gandhi to break the state. As a protest, the TRS ministers in Assembly first resigned. Later after some time, KCR and Narendra also resigned on pressure.

The language has changed into threats or hurling insults against Andhra leaders in public meetings. The incumbent Chief Minister is the main target, like Brahmananda Reddy in the first agitation held by Telangana Praja Samithi. Challenges and counter challenges between M.Satyanarayana Rao and KCR and again between K.Kesava Rao and KCR forced KCR to resign his MP seat and contest for Karimnagar seat raising the bogey of Separate Telangana. He became a hero overnight after winning the seat with huge majority.

There were examples of many other leaders winning parliamentary seat with bigger majority without any promises. P.V.Narasimha Rio was one. If this bait of 'every vote you give me is for separate Telangana' was not there the result would have been different, some say. Yet this winning with stunning majority has now become an issue to claim that entire Telangana people seek separation. This time the coastal and Rayalaseema Telugus reacted fast. Now every region in Andhra Pradesh wants separation. What is wrong in asking for it, says KCR. This means the bread of Andhra Pradesh should be cut into four parts – Telangana, east Andhra, Central Andhra and Rayalaseema.

How funny the entire theme is reduced to! This is slowly gaining farcical look. Funnier is the way, like the stock market, the real estate market goes up and down in these areas, according to the news they receive about the formation or no formation of Separate Telangana state. Those who hold huge properties in Andhra area change sides and seek separate Andhra. And those who have huge properties in Telangana area express their opposition for the division of Andhra Pradesh. There is no leader to lead Andhras in coastal area. Therefore Chiranjeevi's name is kicked up as possible contender launching his own party, which still continues to be no more than a rumor. Even the Telangana men in congress began playing double game, thinking that KCR would simply walk away with Telangana.

What is the role of people in this whole drama? They are all silent voters. For one who witnessed many elections, one realizes that the wind of change comes not by judging the rule of the party but by a wind of sentiment. Presently people think that Telangana sentiment is working. If this emotion dies down and elections are held after a big gap giving enough time for the people's mind settles down, you will find different results. No wonder the wish of the Telangana people might also tilt in favor of united Telugu land, after assessing their living standards and growing opportunities in Andhra Pradesh. Better everybody keeps silence for some time and allow the formation of second SRC. There is talk of rising of Kapu power if Chiranjeevi gets into politics. The Kammas too aspire for power. So are Rayalaseema's Reddy rulers. Otherwise, why this talk of too many separate states in A.P emerge? The two earlier agitations took a toll of big life. It is time for the UPA in the center to take strong decisions, with pragmatic outlook.

Friday, July 01, 2016

Telugu Desam Party Supremo & AP CM Chandrababu Naidu, Still Loyal To NDA For Now Even As Discontentment With Narendra Modi Grows

By M H AHSSAN | INNLIVE

TDP Supremo Chandrababu Naidu was rarely seen without a laptop in the last years of his previous term as the Andhra Pradesh chief minister. Once, when I called him 'Laptop' Naidu, he took it as a compliment. He constantly monitored sundry schemes on a laptop and exuded supreme confidence that he would sweep the 2004 elections. He lost. And it took him 10 years to return as the CM.

Naidu is a changed man now. It's not because, instead of a laptop, he now has an iPad as a constant companion and he talks of 'iCloud' and 'file-sharing' to review his government's work.

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Ready To Revolt: Kiran Reddy Takes On His Congress Bosses In A Bid To Retain Political Relevance In AP

By M H Ahssan | INN Live

When Mohammad Azharuddin hit three centuries in his first three Test matches against England in 1984-85, it was the bat of Nallari Kiran Kumar Reddy that did the talking. Azhar needed a quality playing kit for the home series and his cricket buddy, Reddy, offered to lend his own. So Azhar cycled across to Reddy's home in Hyderabad and picked it up.

Twenty-nine years later, cricketer-turned-politician N. Kiran Kumar Reddy is wielding the willow himself and batting on the front foot. Reddy, who captained the Hyderabad and South Zone under-22 teams in the early 1980s, is defying the bouncers and the beamers from his colleagues from Telangana while espousing the cause of a united Andhra Pradesh. The 53-year-old's pinch-hitting against the central leadership's decision has, however, not won him any admirers at 24, Akbar Road since the party does not take kindly to a chief ministerturning chief dissident.