As the state boils over the issue following the resignation of more than 100 legislators, ministers and MPs, expatriates feel an early solution to the problem would calm tempers.
People from Telangana say the region has been neglected for five decades leading to regional imbalances in all fields and a separate state is the only solution while those from Andhra-Rayalseema say the state has progressed a lot and defend that a united state is the only way forward.
J.V. Rao, CEO of J&M Consulting, thinks Telangana is long overdue and should be formed now. "The decision is being dodged unnecessarily in spite of the poll commitments made by Congress and Telugu Desam parties. The delay is taking a big toll on the overall business environment."
Students and economy
Sharing his view, Uma Paddy, a social activist, said: "Much time has been wasted. The most affected are the students. The state economy is also badly hit. All major parties, including Congress, Telugu Desam and Praja Rajyam Party, had earlier supported the formation of Telangana state. But they made a U-turn after the elections."
S. Ramakrishna Raju, general manager, Marmum Dairy Farm, says a bifurcation of the state doesn't augur well for both the regions. "Andhra Pradesh has gained national and international recognition because of the success it has achieved in several fields. The state, and Hyderabad in particular, experienced economic development and created millions of jobs for all. Telangana can economically prosper only when Andhra Pradesh remains united. Those demanding a separate state are only after power," he said.
Bompally Prakash, an entrepreneur, says it is the aspiration of 40 million people. "The people of this region have been neglected in all spheres like infrastructure, education, jobs and water resources.
"More than 600 people, mostly youth and students, have committed suicide for the cause. I think it is time Telangana Bill is introduced in Parliament without further delay to prevent more deaths by frustrated people," Prakash said.
‘Sorry plight'
Y. Srinivas of Alkanz Group, said: "The demand for separate state is a genuine one. Even in the Gulf we see a lot of people from the Telangana region working as labourers. The reasons are not far to seek for their sorry plight: lack of good education and employment opportunities and non-availability of irrigation projects for agriculture."
"The clamour for Telangana is not new. The people of this region have been demanding it for more than five decades. The Congress-led UPA government should respect their sentiments and declare a separate state immediately. The Samaikya Andhra [united Andhra] agitation, I think, is the creation of a few vested politicians with huge investments in Hyderabad. They are only exploiting the region for their own gain," says Raghunandan of Blue Rhine.
Murtaza Ali, a real estate agent, says further fragmentation of the country in the name of new states will only benefit politicians. The rich will get richer and poor will remain poor, he said.
[/img][/COLOR]
