The birth of Telangana symbolises the triumph of the subaltern perspective over the phoney ones of Sanskritisation and Marxism (Colour of Elation, Mar 3). Already there is talk of another entity or autonomous governing units for the state’s substantial tribal population. Democracy and empowerment are finally reaching the grassroots. A certain ‘identity’ equilibrium is being attained wherein cornered cultures are being given a voice. There is palpable fear amongst established sections of society regarding a total overhaul of the structural and functional modalities of existing norms.
Anoop Hosmath, Mysore
The Telangana movement in a way reminded me of the anti-Hindi agitations of 1965. Interested readers could go through Scattered Fates, a novel on the second partition of India. It is available free online.
C.D. Singh, Mumbai
I am very disappointed with the creation of Telangana. To me, the strength of our nation lies in our unity, not in splitting or getting separated. Hyderabad owes its rise to the united efforts of people from Telangana and Seemandhra. This has now been dealt a severe blow.
Deepti Shaganti, Secunderabad
Now we know it’s not easy to resist whimsical pressures and provincial sentiments. Yet, our past leaders did stand up to the test. Never did they play to the gallery or lose sight of their long-term objectives and future vision, even if it meant being unpopular. This is in stark contrast with the politicians of today who have sacrificed national interest at the altar of electoral politics.
C. Chandrasekaran, Madurai
There is no doubt that all political parties played to the gallery in the creation of Telangana. But now that the state has come into being, there is no point in sulking. Instead people in both regions should concentrate on the development and growth plan for the betterment of both states.
K.R. Srinivasan, Secunderabad
The creation of Telangana is the most blatant example of votebank politics, and one of the most self-centred and shortsighted policy moves of the UPA government.
Dr George Jacob, Kochi
The Congress plea is that it had promised Telangana in its 2009 poll manifesto. But what could be the justification for the party sitting pretty on the matter all these years and bulldozing the Andhra bifurcation bill on the verge of a general election just to get trs chief K. Chandrasekhara Rao into the UPA fold. Not only has the government split the state, but also the hearts of the people and the party itself. Governments of the day should not be free to go ahead and create new states at its will according to its political convenience. Recommendations of a State Reorganisation Commission, made after thorough scrutiny, discussions and consultations with all concerned, must be binding.
M.C. Joshi, Lucknow
A close scrutiny of those who stormed the well of the Houses of Parliament reveals that all were from Andhra and almost all were billionaires holding high stakes in Hyderabad and areas which would go to Telangana. The state’s bifurcation has exposed the ruling elite fighting to retain its grip over India’s politics and economics. Belated wisdom dawned upon the Congress only when the epiphany struck that the creation of a picayune state would be a powerful instrument not only to contain local satraps but also to create new ones in a smaller-sized Telangana.
J.S. Acharya, Hyderabad
It’s unfair to force Seemandhra, the loser in the bifurcation game, to share a capital with Telangana. Parochial passion is bound to raise its ugly head in Hyderabad against the people of Seemandhra. The Centre should help Seemandhra build an independent capital as soon as possible.
K.P. Rajan, Mumbai
What was unusual about this bill was the manner in which the Congress and BJP joined hands to push the bill through, vying as they were with each other to win favour with the electorate in Telangana.
K.S. Padmanabha, Secunderabad
Our great cities—and Hyderabad is certainly one of them—must not be tethered to the states in which they are geographically located. No better way to foster a sense of belonging and a pan-Indian identity. As for division of states, there have been hits like Chhattisgarh and misses like Jharkhand.
Ashok Lal, Mumbai
Countries like the US and UK encourage talented people from all over the world to live and work there. This is why these are rich, advanced countries. In my own country, we have the Shiv Sena wanting ‘Madrasis’ out of Mumbai, the aap wanting college seats in Delhi reserved for Delhiites and now kcr telling me to leave Hyderabad because my ancestors come from Krishna district.
R. Lala, Kavutaram
