The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Vijayawada News : Readers' Mail

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Jul 19, 2004

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Vijayawada

Readers' Mail

Discouraging trend

Sir, - The growing demand for statehood by leaders of different regions does not augur well for development of the State.

The hectic political activity which is being associated with the stepped-up efforts of the TRS leaders for a separate Telangana has prompted leaders of Rayalaseema to come out with a similar demand. Their call is for a struggle for achievement of a separate Rayalaseema with the inclusion of districts like Nellore and Prakasam. If Telangana is separated, the protagonists of Rayalaseema are likely to insist on separate state.

Forming a new state means inviting fresh problems like river water disputes, border conflicts, colossal expenditure for formation of new governments and creation of new infrastructure on a large scale. I request all right-thinking people to form a common platform to oppose the disintegration of the State.

N.S. Krishna Prasad,

Vijayawada.

Quota for Muslims

Sir, - I welcome the State Government's decision to extend 5 per cent reservation for Muslim minorities and the assurance given by the Chief Minister, Y.S.Rajasekhara Reddy, on provision of a statutory backing to the decision. In states like West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, the Muslim community has already been declared a backward class. The demand to include the Muslim community in the list of the Backward Classes had been pending with the Andhra Pradesh Government for a long time.

But the hue and cry being raised on the issue is regrettable.

Mohammed Sirajuddin,

general secretary,

All-India Muslims Association,

Machilipatnam.

Council revival unwarranted

Sir, - Revival of the proposed Legislative Council is a clear attempt to rehabilitate Congress leaders who were rejected by people in the elections.

It is ridiculous on the part of the State Government to think in terms of reviving the Legislative Council while the trend across the country was to do away with the bodies as part of austerity measures. The Government should ensure complete transparency on the issue since people across the State have the right to know about the council which, if implemented, will function with public money.

Besides Andhra Pradesh, there are many other states across the country which had been performing well even without these councils. The move is unwelcome and unwarranted, especially in the backdrop of the serious fund-crunch the State is facing at the moment.

K. Kameswara Rao,

Mortha

Why the hue and cry?

Sir, - I do not understand why such a hue and cry is being raised over the issue of revival of the State Legislative Council.

It is axiomatic that the Council that existed prior to the NTR's era, comprised intellectuals drawn from various walks of life and they did not have any political affiliations. Since it is not possible for the State Assembly to tackle each and every issue on its floor, reactivating the Legislative Council which provides a perfect platform to the Council members to air their grievances would be the most wise thing to do.

The former Chief Minister and the present Opposition leader, Chandrababu Naidu, had himself made an apt remark that the Council is a fine blend of intellect and experience which is sure to have a positive impact on policy-making decisions.

I. Subash Samuel,

Ulavapadu.

Vijayawada.

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