Implement APSRA provisions first, say all parties

Hyderabad, Dec 27 (INN): Leaders of various political parties representing both Telangana and residuary Andhra Pradesh have unanimously agreed and demanded that the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre first fulfill its promises by implementing various provisions of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act-2014 instead of contemplating certain amendments as a solution for resolving the issues between two Telugu States.

The leaders from both the States belonging to the TDP, CPI, CPM, Congress, YSRCP, MIM, AAP and some intellectual organizations participated in a round table organized by NSS and Press Club of Hyderabad regarding the proposed amendments to the AP Reorganization Act being contemplated by Union government. However, the BJP and the TRS parties were conspicuous by their absence at the meeting.

While sincere implementation of all provisions of the Act and solving various issues of both the States was agreed upon by all the leaders of the political parties, some contentious issues that were identified include with regard to Polavaram project, constitution of joint water boards, bifurcation of High Court and so on.

In fact, powers of the Governor in administering both the States was also stoutly opposed by all and it was felt imperative that the two States should have separate Governors.

'About 95 per cent of the provisions in the Act need not be amended, only the remaining part may be amended. In fact, the main reason for most of the issues arising between the two States was due to the inefficiency on the part of the Centre with respect to proper implementation of the provisions which are there in bifurcation Act.

Issues such as financial assistance to building capital region for Andhra Pradesh, special category status for Rayalaseema and North Andhra districts, establishing educational institutions as well as Universities in both the States, new port at Vizag, Steel Plant at Kadapa and tax incentives for both the States are need to be implemented swiftly by the Centre. These are not new demands, but provided in bifurcation Act itself', said former Rajya Sabha member and Jai Samaikyandhra Party leader Thulasi Reddy.

He also suggested that the Centre should amend the issues which have least objections from both the States, such as increasing number of seats in Council, reallocating Rajya Sabha members to respective States and transferring the villages of Telangana to AP which are effected by Polavaram project.

He mentioned that after implementing of all these simple things, it is easy to solve major contentious problems such as amendments to sections related to common capital, power sharing and Part-6 which deals with assets and liabilities of AP Reorganization Act.

'After seven months, we came to know that we need certain amendments to the Act', said Ravula Chandrasekhar Reddy, senior TDP leader. He said the Centre should take responsibility with respect to solve the water sharing problem.

He explained that the TDP was ready to discuss on issues relating to amendments to the Act, if they were invited by the Union government. Centre is keen on bringing amendments relating to increase of seats in the Council than to solve the problems pertaining to people, criticized Rudraraju Padma Raju, MLC, AP Congress.

The Centre should focus on urgent needs of both the States and provide financial assistance to AP, which is reeling under deficit budget thanks to bifurcation, he demanded. Centre did not take even a single step towards development of both the States, for example they could not come with Railway Zones even now. He demanded that the BJP government explain how it would develop the two States.

'There is no point of peace meal amendment, but the Centre should invite leaders of all political parties of both the States and bring a comprehensive amendment', suggested Syed Amin Jaffri, MLC from MIM party. Any amendment should protect the interests of both the States, he added.

Telangana Congress leader Kamalakar Rao said it was the time to resolve the common issues such as irrigation, education, power, water and services etc. 'The amendments should reflect the wishes of people of both the States while strictly following legality and moralities', he demanded.

'We are demanding for our rights only, the Centre has to fulfill the commitments which they have given at the time of AP bifurcation', said Ambati Rambabu, former MLA and senior leader of AP YSRCP.

Though the farmers in Telangana may not get a single drop of water out of Polavaram project, there are farmers in more than four districts will benefit directly by getting sufficient water for their cultivation, hence it will enhance the agricultural production of the nation as a whole. Therefore, let the project be constructed, appealed Ambati. He hoped that initiative of the NSS will bring pressure on the Union government, he hoped.

The statements given by Prime Minister at the time of discussions on Act in the House, the Central government should implement them, demanded Gattu Ramachandra Rao, Telangana YSRCP leader.

These demands are the rights of people of both the States, he said. The main reason behind all problems is, not implementing the provisions of reorganization Act by the Centre, said Jyothi, Telangana leader, CPM.

It is the moral and legal responsibility on the part of Central government in effectively implementing the provisions of the Act, said Ramakrishna, CPI. He criticized Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu for the delay in granting special status to AP, national status for Polavaram, special packages for Rayalaseema and North AP, financial assistance to new capital region and so on.

The Centre should extend help solve the power problem in Telangana, and the State also should focus on finding alternative ways like solar power generation, Aziz Pasha of the CPI observed.

'We cannot have a common Governor as well as High Court for both the States. Constitutional amendment is required to transfer the villages from Telangana State to Andhra Pradesh with respect to Polavaram project', said Chalasani Srinivasa Rao, president, Andhra Intellectuals Forum.

A special amendment with regard to sharing of electricity was needed for the benefit of both the States. If the two States solve the disputes relating to the river water sharing in a friendly manner, then we will have our rights on river boards', he felt.

Telangana Intellectuals Forum president K. Visweswara Rao said the Chief Ministers from both the States should sit across the table and solve their problems amicably instead of crossing swords. He demanded that the Centre take responsibility of resettlement and rehabilitation of the affected people of the proposed Polavaram project.

Venkata Reddy, Telangana leader, AAP, Wilson, Jai Samaikyandhra Party, K. Laxma Reddy, Managing Editor NSS, Rabindranath, senior journalist NSS, Ravikanth Reddy, president, Hyderabad Press Club and PRK Prasad, senior journalist also participated in the discussions.