Andhra Pradesh waits on edge as a report that could decide the state's future is discussed in Delhi between the Home Minister and the leaders of five different political parties from the state.
The Justice B N Srikrishna Committee has preferred the development model to the contentious Telangana issue, rather than recommending bifurcation.
As has been hinted at by the experts, the SKC made six recommendations in the order of priority.
1. Maintain status quo: Not advisable and some intervention is required. It is the least option.
2. Bifurcation of state into Seemandhra and Telangana with Hyderabad as union territory and two states developing their own capitals in due course: This option is also not practicable
3. Bifurcation of state into Rayala Telangana and Coastal Andhra with Hyderabad as capital of Rayala Telangana: It is not workable as there are no takers in any of the three regions
4. Bifurcation into Telangana and Seemandhra with an enlarged Hyderabad metropolis with Nalgonda, Mahbubnagar and Ranga Reddy as part of it to form a separate union territory. The geographical links and continuity for enlarged Hyderabad to have links with coastal Andhra: Though there are certain positive aspects in this proposal, it is difficult to get consensus on it. Moreover, Telangana without Hyderabad might witness Maoist activity.
5. Bifurcation of Seemandhra and Telangana as per existing boundary with Hyderabad becoming the capital of Telangana. Seemandhra to have its own separate capital: Consideration has to be given to this demand, which is not unjustified. But, it will lead to similar demands elsewhere in the country and a careful decision has to be taken. Not the most preferred decision, but the second best option.
6. Keeping the state united providing certain constitutional measures for socio-economic and political development and formation of Telanagana Regional Council: The best option available though there might be immediate opposition to it from different groups. However, it might satisfy people of all regions.
2. Bifurcation of state into Seemandhra and Telangana with Hyderabad as union territory and two states developing their own capitals in due course: This option is also not practicable
3. Bifurcation of state into Rayala Telangana and Coastal Andhra with Hyderabad as capital of Rayala Telangana: It is not workable as there are no takers in any of the three regions
4. Bifurcation into Telangana and Seemandhra with an enlarged Hyderabad metropolis with Nalgonda, Mahbubnagar and Ranga Reddy as part of it to form a separate union territory. The geographical links and continuity for enlarged Hyderabad to have links with coastal Andhra: Though there are certain positive aspects in this proposal, it is difficult to get consensus on it. Moreover, Telangana without Hyderabad might witness Maoist activity.
5. Bifurcation of Seemandhra and Telangana as per existing boundary with Hyderabad becoming the capital of Telangana. Seemandhra to have its own separate capital: Consideration has to be given to this demand, which is not unjustified. But, it will lead to similar demands elsewhere in the country and a careful decision has to be taken. Not the most preferred decision, but the second best option.
6. Keeping the state united providing certain constitutional measures for socio-economic and political development and formation of Telanagana Regional Council: The best option available though there might be immediate opposition to it from different groups. However, it might satisfy people of all regions.
According to indications, the Centre might prefer the first option and try to convince the political parties to that effect.
