The Congress High Command added a chapter to the history of Andhra Pradesh politics. The Centre announced separate statehood for Telangana putting an end to all speculation.

Announcing the much-awaited crucial decision on the contentious issue, Ajay Maken in a press conference held at the AICC office in New Delhi said that it was not easy for the Congress to make a decision. However, it has been decided to grant separate statehood for Telangana region. There will be ten districts in the newly formed state.

As expected, it has been decided that Hyderabad will act as the joint capital for both Andhra Pradesh and the newly formed state for 10 years.
“It is resolved to request the Central government to take steps under the Constitution of India to form the separate state of Telangana,” Maken said.

He also added that the Polavaram project will be treated as a national project. The two states will share all the natural resources especially the rivers, he said.

Special funds will be allotted for the development of Seemandhra region, he added.

The process will be completed in 4- 5 months, said Digvijaya Singh, in-charge of party affairs in Andhra Pradesh. He also ruled that the decision on Telangana had anything to do with the upcoming polls. “The decision hasn’t been taken because of any political compulsions,” he said.

The Congress party solidly stand behind decision made by AICC, asserted Singh.

After the UPA coordination committee and Congress top decision making body CWC unanimously endorsed the Congress decision favouring Telangana.

The official announcement was made at the AICC office in New Delhi. Soon as the news broke about a separate statehood being granted for Telangana region, there were mixed reactions from people of Andhra Pradesh. While Seemandhra regions saw protests and slogans against Congress for dividing the state, it was celebration time for the Telangana region.

The Osmania University campus which played an instrumental role in the Telangana movement, burst crackers and celebrated their victory.

- Siva@sakshipost