On Telangana

The chronic claim for a separate state of Telangana is neither new nor surprising (“Crisis looms as 81 Telangana MLAs, some MPs submit resignations,” July 5). Such demands for states and provinces date back to 1947 when we were subject to the trauma of Partition. Perhaps demands still prevail because no one listens to the voices of the minorities and the marginalised.

Nevertheless, the government should not yield to the pressure of a clique as it may start a negative trend. It is imperative for those who make such demands to realise that the beauty of India lies in its benevolence to absorb variance.

Vijayanarayanan N.S., Tirupur

As a majority of elected representatives from Telangana have submitted their resignations, the political atmosphere has once again become surcharged. One fails to understand why the government is fighting shy of making its decision clear. In the ensuing stalemate, the economy of Andhra Pradesh will suffer. Frequent closure of educational institutions disturbs the academic schedule. One hopes that there will be a decision soon as, it must be remembered, one cannot please everyone. Any delay will only result in the political class continuing to exploit sentiments.

J.P. Reddy, Nalgonda

With the mass resignations, a political, constitutional, economic and even law and order crisis looms large. With precedents of bifurcation already available in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, finding a broad consensus-backed solution is the need of the hour.

R. Sampath, Chennai

The U.S. has 50 States for its population of 310 million. It is almost double the number of States India has for its billion-plus people. Andhra Pradesh, with a population of nearly 80 million, requires at least three divisions to improve its administrative reach. Getting to Hyderabad entails a journey of over 12 hours as people from Chittoor, Anantapur, Nellore, Visakhapatnam, Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts find it difficult to travel. Perhaps there is a need for more administrative units.

G.L.N. Murthy, Hyderabad

Almost all elected representatives of the Telangana region have resigned, an indication that they do not repose faith in the constitutional process of India. Some of the leading members among them have resigned earlier also on a few occasions, gone on fast and caused an enormous wastage of public money. There should be a new law to curb such acts. A person resigning should not be allowed to occupy any public office.

Daita Viswanath, Hyderabad

It seems that the pro-Telangana agitators will not rest until their demand is met. At the same time, the government appears to be unyielding. Consultation and consensus are a prerequisite to crack this sensitive issue amicably. An all-party meeting aimed at ensuring consensus must be convened. Without considering post-separation benefits and drawbacks, an aimless agitation for a separate State will benefit none.

Deepa Durai, Cuddalore

With no consensus emerging, the political class is once again waiting to foment trouble. The parties now demanding a new State are not serious about the development of the Telangana region. In such a situation, the Centre must bring Andhra Pradesh under President's rule until such time as there is a broad consensus on the formation of such an entity. It must not allow the State to drift into the hands of those who seem to be resorting to blackmail for a quick-fix solution.

N. Nagarajan, Secunderabad