Having contributed in its own way to the current crisis in Andhra Pradesh, the Central government has done what it ought to have in the first place — seek to create a more congenial environment for further discussions. Indian democracy has evolved far too much for one man’s fast or a few hundred men’s anger to overturn the verdict of a silent majority. Even if there is a legitimate case for the creation of a separate Telangana state, violence, mayhem and political blackmail cannot be the midwives of the new state’s birth. Democracy can express itself in two ways — either through the verdict of an election or through mechanisms of open and inclusive consultation. The verdict of the 2009 election is being interpreted by different political parties differently. With the architect of the Congress party’s victory in Andhra Pradesh, YS Rajasekhar Reddy, no more, the party itself is offering varying interpretations of what that verdict means for the question of Telangana’s statehood. Given this confusion, it is not surprising that the Union government has stepped in to offer another mechanism for the expression of democratic opinion. The talks and consultations initiated by the Union home minister with all sections of Telugu society and the people of Andhra Pradesh should be welcomed.
Since the Telangana Rashtra Samiti chief, K Chandrashekhar Rao, has succeeded in placing Telangana back on the front burner, so to speak, he should now respect the view that a reasoned and reasonable process should be adopted to resolve the issue. No one, least of all the people of Telangana, would like to see Hyderabad suffer on account of the political uncertainty and the law and order problems created by the recent agitation. Most importantly, no well-wisher of Telangana would like to see the movement for statehood hijacked by Maoists and Naxalite elements, who have never had the courage to test their popularity with the people by contesting elections.
The agitation and violence of the past few weeks has already taken a toll on the state and its prize city of Hyderabad. Companies with new projects are looking at alternative sites in the region, existing and potential jobs are moving away from Hyderabad and major events are getting cancelled. The Confederation of Indian Industry has moved its Partnership Summit away to Chennai. All this can only harm the people of Hyderabad and Telangana. The Centre and all political parties have a responsibility to restore normalcy in the state and carry on a meaningful dialogue in an atmosphere of calm. All those who seek to resort to violence and disrupt normal life should be properly punished. Equally, steps should be taken to reinforce the confidence of the people of Telangana in the duly elected government of the day, which still has more than four years in office. Apart from empowering political leaders from the Telangana region, the state government should also revive regional development boards and involve qualified professionals from the Telangana region in better addressing the region’s development problems.
