Divided we fall

 

 

Referring to the editorial, "It is a dangerous..." (TSI, Dec 21-27), the Centre agreeing to start the process of forming the state of Telangana is an instance of the government giving in to populism, the politics of blackmail and the fear of violence. Given India's diversity, the linguistic, cultural, and now, regionalistic discrimination has been on the rise, contributing to the disintegration of the society. The responsibility to address and rectify the problems of discrimination lies with the elected representatives of that region. As the Telangana region has 17 out of the 42 LS seats in Andhra, and a sizeable number of representatives in the state assembly, questions arise as to what these elected representatives were doing for the region, when coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema have developed better. Carefully timed politicking and violent agitation, aided by a fast-unto-death have resulted in the fragmentation of AP. It encourages other regions to jump onto the bandwagon of separate statehood on some or the other issue. More and smaller states do not mean better administration and governance. It means more politicians, more corruption and in the long run, deepening secessionist feelings. Demand for a separate state can translate into a state wanting to secede from the country. New Delhi has given a wrong signal to separatists. On the issue of Gorkhaland, the GJM has already set up a voluntary body called Gorkhaland Personnel, and has tried to impose dress and conduct codes in the region. The GJM is sure to be encouraged by Centre's surrender on the Telangana issue. Escalated violence and disruption in the hills of West Bengal may just be a few steps away.

P ARIHANTH

Hyderabad