PFL discusses political gridlock in Andhra Pradesh

Piscataway, NJ: People for Lok Satta (PFL), New Jersey Chapter organized a political discussion on the topic of Andhra Pradesh (AP) State bifurcation. Around 40-45, predominantly Telugu speaking Non Resident Indians (NRIs), participated in this discussion. Speakers from all three regions [Coastal Andhra, Rayalaseema and Telangana] presented their views on this topic.

A PFL spokesperson commented that due to lack of proper governance and strong leadership, Andhra Pradesh was thrown in a state of turmoil. The Telangana statehood issue had created a gridlock that threatened growth and prosperity of people in the region. The current state of affairs is such that there is no guarantee of stability in the region and the situation continues to remain volatile. While politicians are involved in their political games and opportunists lobby for their investments, the common man continues to suffer in the process. As a result, people are turning more divisive.

In such a landscape, PFL noted that, while there was a lot of rhetoric, mud-slinging and disruptive activity that was adopted by traditional parties, there has been no constructive dialog happening on addressing the concerns of the people. In hosting this discussion, PFL's aim was to provide a platform for concerned Indian citizens to come forward and express their views on this contentious and emotionally-sensitive issue.

The discussion was broken down into six broad topics, each moderated by a PFL volunteer. The topics were ' Capital city, Security of assets & people, Revenues & distribution, Employment & employee security, Education & quota and Water, irrigation & natural resources. Overall, the discussions were thought-provoking and the solutions proposed were bold and insightful. Most people agreed that excessive centralization, mismanagement and ineffective leadership had resulted in lop-sided development that resulted in the current crisis. As well, the speakers resonated the need for guaranteed security of people and assets in the region while ensuring equitable monetary distributions from the revenue-surplus Hyderabad city to the neglected and economically backward regions in the state.

Before concluding the session, NRI Social activist and PFL volunteer, Suresh Ediga described his efforts in reaching out to various MLAs in AP to solicit their opinion about state bifurcation. Suresh spoke to at least 20 different MLAs in all three regions and noted that most of them were well-meaning and knowledgeable individuals, many of whom were willing to peacefully negotiate the concept of state bifurcation, if it would be in the larger interests of the people.

There were several concrete takeaways from this session, the most important one being the need for demonstrating good citizenry. PFL emphasized that public disengagement was the biggest threat to democracy and increasing people participation and raising social consciousness were two of the key elements in building a strong nation. Through this event, PFL called out to all responsible citizens to step up and join a politically relevant cause. Important takeaways from this session would be discussed with MLAs going forward.

Most speakers appreciated the efforts of PFL in organizing this constructive discussion. In the recent past, similar discussions were conducted by PFL chapters across other major cities in the US, with the first one being held at Dallas, TX.

About PFL: PFL is an independent, nonprofit political organization registered in the USA under IRC 527 in March, 2008. PFL is committed to further the cause of Lok Satta Party (LSP) in India by the advancement of clean politics and the establishment of citizen-centric governance. The main objective of PFL is to enhance the awareness among non-resident Indians and Persons of Indian Origin regarding Lok Satta Party.