Hyderabad: AP and Telangana CMs to resolve inter-state issues soon.
It is known that Naidu and Reddy share a cordial relationship, stemming from Reddy’s previous affiliation with the TDP before joining the Congress. Reddy had notably served as the working president of the TDP’s Telangana unit. This shared history has likely facilitated a cooperative dynamic between the two leaders, potentially easing discussions on inter-state issues and fostering a constructive approach to resolving pending matters between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Hyderabad: Andhra Pradesh and Telangana CMs to Meet on Inter-State Issues
Hyderabad, the bustling capital city of Telangana, is set to host a crucial meeting between the Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana at the government’s Mahatma Jyoti Rao Phule Praja Bhavan this evening. The meeting comes against the backdrop of unresolved inter-state issues that have persisted since the bifurcation of the erstwhile undivided Andhra Pradesh on June 2, 2014.
Background of the Bifurcation
Telangana was carved out as a separate state on June 2, 2014, following a prolonged agitation for statehood. The bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh into Andhra Pradesh and Telangana was a historic decision aimed at addressing regional aspirations and administrative efficiency. However, ten years since the separation, numerous critical issues remain unresolved between the two states.
Pending Issues and Challenges
Among the unresolved issues are the bifurcation of assets and liabilities, division of state-run institutions, settlement of power bill dues, and the transfer of residual employees to their respective native states. These matters, mandated under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, continue to challenge both state governments due to lack of consensus on several crucial aspects.
Hyderabad, which previously served as the joint capital for both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, ceased to hold this status from June 2, 2024, as per the reorganisation act. Consequently, it now functions solely as the capital city of Telangana, marking a significant administrative shift in the region.
Contentious Issues and Demands
One contentious issue highlighted by opposition leaders from the BRS (Bhavani Reddy Sowjanya) party is the demand for the return of certain villages from Andhra Pradesh to Telangana. These villages were absorbed into Andhra Pradesh during the bifurcation process to facilitate the construction of the multi-purpose Polavaram project, a longstanding point of contention between the two states.
Initiative for Dialogue
Taking a proactive stance, former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu initiated the dialogue by writing a letter to the Telangana Chief Minister, proposing a face-to-face meeting on July 6 to address the unresolved bifurcation issues. The proposal was warmly welcomed by Telangana’s political circles, with Revanth Reddy, a prominent leader, extending an invitation for a productive discussion.
Cordial Relations and Historical Context
The forthcoming meeting between the Chief Ministers underscores their historically cordial relationship. Revanth Reddy, formerly associated with Naidu’s Telugu Desam Party (TDP) before joining the Congress, served as the working president of TDP’s Telangana unit. This shared political history is expected to facilitate constructive dialogue and pragmatic solutions during the upcoming discussions.
Past Meetings and Efforts
Over the past decade, successive Chief Ministers of both states have engaged in bilateral meetings to address mutual concerns and promote regional cooperation. Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy met with Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao in 2020, marking a significant step in ongoing efforts to foster understanding and collaboration.
During Naidu’s tenure as Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister from 2014 to 2019, he also held discussions with KCR on various issues impacting both states. Notably, KCR attended the foundation laying ceremony of Andhra Pradesh’s new capital, Amaravati, underscoring moments of regional solidarity amidst administrative transitions.
Current Political Dynamics
Chandrababu Naidu’s recent visit to Hyderabad, where he was warmly received by TDP activists at Begumpet airport, signals the political significance of the upcoming meeting. The engagement between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana’s leadership is not only pivotal for resolving administrative challenges but also carries broader implications for regional development and political stability.
Conclusion
As Hyderabad prepares to host the meeting between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana Chief Ministers, the focus remains on addressing longstanding inter-state issues that have persisted since the bifurcation in 2014. The dialogue between Naidu and KCR, leaders with a history of collaboration and shared political understanding, holds promise for finding pragmatic solutions to complex challenges.
The outcome of this meeting is awaited with keen interest as it could set the tone for future cooperation between the two states, ensuring that administrative transitions and regional aspirations are managed with foresight and mutual respect. As India’s youngest state continues to chart its course, these discussions serve as a reminder of the importance of dialogue and collaboration in achieving sustainable development and inclusive growth for all.