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Ten Years of Andhra Pradesh Bifurcation
Context:
Andhra Pradesh was divided into two states a decade ago, leading to lasting political, economic, and historical implications for the Telugu people and the Indian Republic.
Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act of 2014:
- The Act bifurcated the state of Andhra Pradesh into two states: Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
- It was passed by the Lok Sabha on February 18, 2014, and the Rajya Sabha on February 20, 2014, following a prolonged struggle.
- The Act detailed the asset sharing between the two states in Schedules IX and X.
- It distributed assets according to their location and debt, and liabilities according to population.
- The Act appointed an expert committee to oversee the distribution of assets and employees.
- According to Section 5, after 10 years of bifurcation, Hyderabad will be the capital of Telangana only.
Minimal Reminiscence:
- The vitriol surrounding the bifurcation has disappeared, with Andhra Pradesh and Telangana moving on with little nostalgia for their shared history.
- Hyderabad remains significant for Andhra Pradesh, while the rest of Telangana holds little relevance in their imagination.
- Telangana has no significant connections or influences from Andhra Pradesh in its political, social, or economic life.
Historical Context:
- Andhra Pradesh and Telangana were together under different authorities historically and were united in 1956.
- The division reflects a weak shared vision of Telugu unity compared to Kannada and Marathi regions.
Linguistic Unity Questioned:
- The division questions the strength of linguistic unity in India and suggests possible future reorganisations of other linguistic states.
- The principle of linguistic reorganisation might need reconsideration if economic and political disparities persist.
Political and Economic Implications:
- Andhra Pradesh’s political clout reduced from 42 to 25 Lok Sabha seats, and Telangana has 17 seats.
- Unequal state sizes can affect political power distribution and economic resources in the federal structure.
Unresolved Issues:
- Asset sharing between the states remains unresolved, particularly those listed in Schedules IX and X of the Reorganisation Act.
- Disputes over Krishna and Godavari water sharing continue.
- The division of 22 out of 91 PSUs is still pending.
- Telangana owes Andhra Pradesh Rs 6,756.92 crore for power supply dues.
Joint Capital:
- Hyderabad ceases to be the joint capital after ten years, now exclusively the capital of Telangana.
- Controversies exist over the retention of Hyderabad as a joint capital and the proposal of making it a Union Territory.
Future Considerations:
- The division raises questions about the adequacy of linguistic reorganisation and suggests the need for alternative organising principles for states in India.