Hyderabad joint capital extension : As the deadline approaches for Hyderabad to cease being the common capital for both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, a renewed demand has emerged from leaders in Andhra Pradesh to extend this arrangement. According to the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, Hyderabad was designated as the common capital for a period of 10 years, which is now nearing its end. The request to continue Hyderabad as the shared capital has gained traction, cutting across party lines.
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Renewed Calls for Extension
Prominent among those calling for the extension is former CBI Joint Director VV Lakshmi Narayana. He took to social media platform X, urging political parties in Andhra Pradesh to unite in demanding an extension beyond the stipulated 10-year period. “All political parties in Andhra Pradesh should immediately raise the issue of continuing Hyderabad as common capital of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh beyond 10 years period,” he stated.
However, this suggestion has sparked mixed reactions online. Criticizing the practicality of the demand, X user Shachindra Rajavaram replied, “Dear sir, it may be impractical as well. High time Andhra Pradesh builds its own capital.. 2014 is 10 years back.” Another user, Phani Gosala, added, “It’s immature to do that, let’s build our own capital.”
Bipartisan Support for the Demand
Despite the criticisms, the demand has seen support from various political factions. Andhra Pradesh Congress vice-president Kolanukonda Shivaji is one of the prominent figures advocating for the extension. Shivaji emphasized that due to the failure of successive state governments to develop a proper capital for Andhra Pradesh over the past decade, Hyderabad’s status as a joint capital should be extended for another 10 years. In a statement dated May 23, he highlighted the inadequacies in building a new capital and called for continued use of Hyderabad.
Support from Other Leaders
Former Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Chairman YV Subba Reddy also voiced support for the extension on February 16. Reddy suggested that Hyderabad should remain the shared capital until Andhra Pradesh’s executive capital is fully shifted to Visakhapatnam from Amaravati. His statement reflects the ongoing transition challenges and the need for a more gradual move to the new administrative setup.
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Historical Context
The Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act of 2014, which bifurcated the state into Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, mandated that Hyderabad would serve as the common capital for a transitional period of 10 years. This arrangement was meant to give Andhra Pradesh ample time to develop its own capital infrastructure. However, the progress has been slower than anticipated, with plans to establish Amaravati as the capital facing several hurdles. More recently, the state government has proposed shifting the executive capital to Visakhapatnam, adding to the complexity of the transition.
Challenges and Criticisms
The demand to extend Hyderabad’s status as the common capital has been met with criticism, primarily focusing on the need for Andhra Pradesh to develop its own capital city. Critics argue that continuing to share Hyderabad undermines the progress and self-reliance of Andhra Pradesh. They advocate for a dedicated effort towards building and transitioning to a new capital, which would foster growth and development within the state.
Conclusion
As the deadline for Hyderabad to cease being the common capital approaches, the debate intensifies. Leaders from various political backgrounds are pushing for an extension, citing inadequate progress in building a new capital for Andhra Pradesh. The mixed reactions from the public and political figures underscore the complexities involved in this transition. Whether Hyderabad will continue as the shared capital beyond the initial 10-year period remains uncertain, with the final decision likely to have significant implications for both states.
Key Takeaways:
- Renewed Demand: Political leaders from Andhra Pradesh are advocating for an extension of Hyderabad’s status as the common capital.
- Support and Criticism: While some support the demand, others criticize it as impractical and emphasize the need for Andhra Pradesh to establish its own capital.
- Historical Context: Hyderabad was designated as the common capital for 10 years following the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh in 2014.
- Transition Challenges: The development of Amaravati and the proposed shift to Visakhapatnam face several challenges, prompting calls for an extension.
- Uncertain Future: The final decision on whether Hyderabad will continue as the common capital is awaited, with significant implications for both states.
FAQs
- What is the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act?
- The Act bifurcated Andhra Pradesh into two states, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, and designated Hyderabad as the common capital for 10 years.
- Why are leaders asking for an extension?
- Leaders argue that Andhra Pradesh has not yet developed a proper capital and needs more time.
- Who are the prominent leaders supporting this demand?
- Former CBI Joint Director VV Lakshmi Narayana and Andhra Pradesh Congress vice-president Kolanukonda Shivaji are among the supporters.
- What are the criticisms of this demand?
- Critics say it’s impractical and argue that Andhra Pradesh should focus on building its own capital.
- What are the proposed capitals for Andhra Pradesh?
- Amaravati was initially proposed, but more recently, Visakhapatnam has been suggested as the executive capital.
- What was the original deadline for Hyderabad to cease being the common capital?
- The original deadline is the completion of the 10-year period stipulated by the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, ending soon.
- What impact will this decision have?
- The decision will significantly impact the administrative and developmental dynamics of both states.
- How have the public reacted to this demand?
- Public reactions are mixed, with some supporting the extension and others advocating for self-reliance.
- What are the challenges in developing a new capital for Andhra Pradesh?
- The development has faced financial, administrative, and political challenges, slowing the process.
- Is there a legal framework for extending Hyderabad’s status as a common capital?
- Any extension would likely require amendments to the existing legal framework and political consensus.
- What is the role of the central government in this decision?
- The central government would play a crucial role in facilitating any extension or amendments to the current arrangements.
- What are the benefits of extending Hyderabad as the common capital?
- It would provide more time for Andhra Pradesh to develop its own capital infrastructure and avoid immediate transition issues.
- What are the drawbacks of extending Hyderabad as the common capital?
- It may delay the progress and self-reliance of Andhra Pradesh in developing its own administrative hub.
- How has Telangana responded to this demand?
- Telangana’s response will be critical, as it involves continued administrative sharing of Hyderabad.
- What are the financial implications of this extension?
- Continued sharing of Hyderabad could impact budget allocations and financial planning for both states.
- What initiatives have been taken to develop Amaravati?
- Various infrastructure projects and planning initiatives have been undertaken, but progress has been slow.
- What is the status of the proposed shift to Visakhapatnam?
- The proposal is still under consideration, with plans to shift the executive capital to Visakhapatnam facing various challenges.
- How does this decision affect the residents of Hyderabad?
- The decision will impact the administrative functioning and possibly the socio-economic dynamics of Hyderabad.
- What is the historical significance of Hyderabad for both states?
- Hyderabad has been a major administrative, economic, and cultural center for both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
- What are the next steps in this decision-making process?
- Discussions and negotiations between political leaders, legal amendments, and possibly central government intervention will determine the next steps.