AP Assembly: Debate on Telangana bill revolves around Nizam

A large part of the debate on the draft Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Bill, 2013 in the state Assembly today centered around the erstwhile Nizam, ruler of Hyderabad state, with Seemandhra members criticising him and those from Telangana showering praise.
The issue saw a war of words between Telugu Desam, Telangana Rashtra Samiti, Congress and Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen legislators.
TRS floor leader Etela Rajender said Nizam was a great ruler, though there was some oppression during his tenure.
"Nizam built the famous Arts College in Hyderabad and several other institutions. It's true he also carried out some oppression against people of the region," Rajender pointed out.

MIM floor leader Akbaruddin Owaisi said it was only the Nizam who developed Hyderabad and the erstwhile Hyderabad state.
"No one else can claim to have developed Hyderabad," he said, taking a dig at TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu who had been claiming to have developed Hyderabad into a world-class city during his tenure as Chief Minister between 1995 and 2004.

"We are proud of Nizam and the Nizam's rule," Akbaruddin said.
Hyderabad was a well-developed city for centuries and it welcomed people not only from coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema but also all other parts of the country.
"We will continue to welcome people from across the country even after the state is divided," Akbaruddin said.

Earlier in the day, TDP legislator Payyavula Kesav resumed the debate on the draft Bill and dug out "historic facts" to press a case for a united state.
"The Nizam of Hyderabad mortgaged coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema districts to the British to raise a loan of Rs 9 lakh. He made all his fortune by fleecing people of Seemandhra," Kesav pointed out.
The Nizam also unleashed a reign of oppression against the people, particularly in Telangana, who waged a war against the brutality, Kesav recalled.