The Hindu : Separate Andhra State sought

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Jan 29, 2004

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Separate Andhra State sought

By Our Staff Reporter

VIJAYAWADA, JAN. 28. The Andhra Pradesh Dalit Mahasabha general secretary, Katti Padma Rao, on Wednesday demanded formation of a separate Andhra state (combining coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema) with Vijayawada as capital. Speaking to the media, Mr Padmarao said the Mahasabha would organise a massive apolitical convention, Andhra Jaati Aikyata Vedika, to drum up support for the cause. He said a dialogue with various organisations, parties, intellectuals and others was on to give a concrete shape to the proposal in the coming days. He said a prolonged neglect of the coastal belt despite its natural resources in abundance had forced the Mahasabha to think on these lines in the larger interest of the people of the region.

Speaking about the presence of vast stretches of sea coast in the region, he pointed out that farmers here grew crops in abundance, both agriculture and commercial. Though there were some 10 shipyards and a number of industries, the plight of the people at the grassroots level had remained unchanged. The large number of rivers flowing across coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema had not been very helpful in improving the farm scenario, he said.

The Government had failed to take note of the grievances of the poor and the downtrodden, he said, adding that whatever development was achieved was confined to upper caste people.

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Andhra Pradesh