📷 Image Credits: Moneycontrol
In what seems to be a breakthrough step towards resolving the pending issues between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh stemming from the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act, 2014, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and A. Revanth Reddy have agreed to form two committees. These committees, comprising officials and ministers, will work towards outlining a roadmap for resolving the long-standing differences between the two states.
The face-to-face meeting between Naidu and Reddy held in Hyderabad holds immense significance as they tackled issues related to the bifurcation that have been unresolved even a decade after the division of united Andhra Pradesh. Despite various attempts to initiate talks and discussions since 2014, controversies like the infamous vote-for-note scandal in 2015 have marred inter-state relations.
Several critical issues have been left unresolved since 2014, including the division of assets belonging to 23 corporations, disputes over power and commercial tax arrears, and the contentious possession of certain buildings in Hyderabad. Moreover, the meeting brought to light the sharing of Krishna and Godavari waters and the pending arrears owed by Telangana to Andhra Pradesh.
The political significance of the meeting cannot be understated. Naidu, a key player along with other smaller parties, holds the potential to influence the BJP’s position at the Centre, while Revanth Reddy’s close ties to Naidu position him favorably to engage with the TDP supremo. Additionally, the optics of the meeting between Naidu and Reddy were closely monitored, as their past association and their intentions towards other political rivals in the two Telugu states were scrutinized.
The resolution talks and the subsequent committees being formed demonstrate a willingness on the part of the two CMs to work jointly to address issues impacting both Telugu states, including the restoration of certain areas in Khammam district to Telangana. The outcome of this meeting may have far-reaching implications on the political landscape of both states, potentially reshaping power dynamics and alliances.
Overall, the Naidu-Reddy meeting in Hyderabad holds promise for a new chapter in the relationship between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, with the hope of finally resolving long-pending issues and fostering a spirit of collaboration and progress between the two states.
