Andhra NRIs for united state

Visakhapatnam: With the separate Telangana demand gaining momentum as all the political parties supporting it, the Andhra Development Front (ADF), founded by NRIs from Andhra region, demanded that Hyderabad be declared as common zone to both Telangana and Andhra regions if bifurcation of the state is inevitable.

“All the political parties are supporting separate Telengana state for political reasons. Any party that is supporting division of the state must declare their plans of it,” said ADF founder Vijay Penmatsa.

Mr Vijay said that 55 percent of the taxes collected by the government come from Andhra region and there were large-scale investments in Hyderabad by Andhraites.  He told this newspaper that it was high time that Andhra region leaders take a proactive role in shaping the future of the region in the background of the slogan of separate statehood for Telangana. “ADF strongly believes in united state, but it will respect the sentiments of Telangana people. If bifurcation is inevitable, the ADF demands justice to be done to all in the developed areas of Andhra Pradesh,” he said.

The ADF wants a time-bound commitments from the state and the Central governments on equal opportunities and distribution of development to all the corners of Andhra Pradesh, whether the state is divided or not.  If the Centre appoints a committee to work out the modalities for bifurcation of the state, Mr Vijay said that such committee must be led by intellectuals and not politicians. “Politicians can be members of the committee but they should not lead it. All the political parties must declare their plans for making Andhra as self-sufficient state to run on its own, which includes employment generation with clear budgetary support. All the parties are airing separate Telangana slogan with political aims. Every party should also release a white paper containing region-wise development statistics, amounts spent and budgetary allocations for the last 40-50 years,” he demanded and added that all the borders must be redrawn.

Andhra region NRIs have formed ADF in New Jersey, the US a few months ago.  The ADF members have been touring various places in the Andhra region and now are planning to produce a documentary with various facts on the ‘injustice’ meted to Andhra region.  The ADF has more than 2,000 active members across the globe and is planning to start its chapter in Germany and a few more in others parts of US besides in Dubai.

Courtesy: deccan