The past few days saw thousands across the state glued to the news in anticipation of a decision regarding the formation of a separate Telangana. Rumors flew left, right and center about a favorable decision to the Telangana cause. Is it true?
Maybe, maybe not. Because, the official announcement has not been made, nor has the high command given its final decision. What happened was, the three leaders from Andhra Pradesh went inside the Prime Minister's residence to sit with the core group. Meetings ensued, with Digvijay Singh feeding tantalizing tid bits to the media.
Congress general secretary Digvijaya Singh informed reporters on Friday evening that a decision from Congress and the UPA government is forthcoming, having completed the consultation process. Number 7, Race Course Road, where Prime Minister Manmohan Singh lives, was the target of many news watchers.
Announcement or not, speculation is ripe and it points towards a separate Telangana. Another line of gossip implies a Rayala Telangana. One more says Hyderabad will become a Union Territory like Delhi. This is both good news and bad news for the people of Andhra, Rayalaseema and Telangana. What is good for one section is bad for the other.
Such is the tight rope that Congress is walking in between Seemandhra and Telangana. Chief Minister Kiran Kumar Reddy insisted that Congress is gaining stand in the state, looking at the recent election updates. Yet, there are messages that Telangana would have its way. This might be despite the general public in Telangana region not showing much concern for a split.
Samaikhyandhra supporters in Anantapur and Kadapa districts created some level of tension in the areas after the rumors began. If protests in Telangana come down, Andhra and Rayalaseema rises up. Central paramilitary forces and more police had to be deployed to Seemandhra as a precaution for possible violence.
It is high time that the government takes a stern decision based on long term benefits for the state rather than short term benefits for the party.
(AW: Sruthi)
