Telangana Tussle

Being from AndhraPradesh, I remember singing 'Maa Telugu Talli ki mallepoo danda'. I guess it's going to be ' maa telangana talli ki' in Telangana. Hopefully it remains unchanged in Seemandhra. The creation of small states carved out of existing ones involves huge expenses. The instigation of new administration and corresponding infrastructure is a burden on the economy. These resources could very well be used to develop the backward areas.

The formation of various states in independent India was based on language. The present day demand for small states is more of a people's sentiment than it is of their quest for development. If the performance of smaller states cut out of Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh is taken into account, there shouldn't be any more divisions. These three states showcase the fallacy of the small state argument.

Uttaranchal, Uttar khand and Chattisgarh were formed with mutual consent from both sides of the dividing line, which is not the case with Telangana. Hyderabad, the IT city, is at the centre of the tussle. 70% of the state's revenue comes from Hyderabad. The current infrastructure of the city is a result of the efforts of many people, not just the Telanganites. It is almost impossible to build a worthy capital for Seemandhra any time soon. Telangana will now have control over the rivers which irrigate Seemandhra. It is imminent that water wars will ensue. The Seemandhra region which relies heavily on agriculture might go arid, given the apathy of our politicians. The coastal region has no major resources or industries. How is employment going to be created?

The most serious problem overlooked in the bifurcation process is the threat of Maoists in the Dandakaranya belt which extends from Andhra to Nepal. The AP police force was successful in thwarting the strengthening of the Maoist muscle for long. Now, with the police force divided between two states, there will not be enough resources to contain a Maoist outbreak.

The passing of the Telangana Bill in parliament amid tight security without live media coverage is a shame on our democracy. I dearly hope India isn't on its way to becoming a North Korea. This event seems like a curtain riser to more of the atrocities our so called leaders will dole out. All these issues aside, does the creation of a small state ensure its development?