Hyderabad, April 15: THE CPI consistently fought for linguistic reorganization of states in the years leading up to 1956. Based on the linguistic principle, the Andhra State committee of the party formulated the slogan of Visalaandhra in 1946 and extensively campaigned for it. The then Telangana State Committee of the party adopted the same slogan as one of its important objectives in the region. But today in view of the abnormal and unprecedented conditions prevailing in the State and to avoid further aggravation of regional disparities and animosities, the CPI now supports the formation of a Telangana State.
In the last 55 years, ruling parties in Andhra Pradesh have miserably failed in removing regional inequalities and disparities. This failure has hurt and seriously weakened the sentiment for unity in the State. As a result of the capitalist path of development pursued by the ruling parties, regional disparities have only aggravated. This together with the policies of neo-liberalism and new economic reforms pursed by the Central and state governments since 1991 have not only affected the living standards of the people but further worsened the disparities among people on the one hand and between the regions on the other hand.
This has stoked regional apprehensions and animosities.
Integrated and balanced development of the State has remained an empty dream, thus leading to the present painful situation in which emotional integration has eluded the people of the two regions although they speak the same language. The CPI is of the firm opinion that pro-capitalist policies are responsible for this sad state of affairs.
Our agitations and struggles have not yielded the expected results. Our efforts in this regard have failed because of the narrow policies of the ruling classes. Our party considered the task of removing the apprehensions of the people of Telangana through accelerated and integrated development as most important. Precisely for this reason we accuse the continued and criminal negligence by successive governments for the present unsettled and uncertain situation and conditions. The CPI has reviewed the situation in toto against the tragic backdrop as outlined above. It has come to the decision that it is necessary to respect the demand for a separate state which has found massive support among the people of the region. It is for this reason that the CPI Party Congress held at Hyderabad in 2008 has extended its support for formation of a Telangana State. The change in our policy was also explained in a memorandum submitted to the Pranab Mukherjee Committee. The National Council of the CPI held at Bangalore on December 2009 reaffirmed our position. To this effect we have submitted a memorandum to the meeting of the recognized political parties in Delhi called by the Union Home Minister. It is our resolute opinion that misconceptions and animosities between the Telugu people should not be allowed to grow.
Animosities between regions are dangerous. It is in the spirit of brotherhood that attempts must be made to resolve the problem respecting the sentiments of the people and the CPI has been insisting on this approach from the beginning. The abnormal developments that took place in the State in December 2009 have further complicated the problems, leading to emotional outbursts in the two regions.
The main political parties stand divided regionwise, leading to a critical situation. It is not in the interest of the whole State that such a situation be allowed to continue.
The CPI therefore demands formation of a Telangana State. Keeping in view the sentiments of the people of other regions, in particular Rayalaseema, discussions are continuing to remove apprehensions since Sri Bagh Accord (1937). Similarly, keeping in view the aspirations of the people of Uttarandhra and backward regions of Coastal Andhra, measures for their development should be taken.
The CPI strongly desires and demands the allround development of the Telugu people and balanced development of all regions, even after separation.
–Agencies