India’s newest state Telangana has celebrated the 10th anniversary of its formation. It was the only state which had a history of decades long agitation as there were proponents for Telangana even before Andhra Pradesh was created in 1956.
Perhaps, no state was created amid so much inter-regional tussle and parliamentary drama as it was. Just like how eminent British politicians like Winston Churchill cast doubts on the viability of India at the time of its independence, Telangana too had many sceptics in his share. Nevertheless, Telangana proved naysayers wrong and flourished in the last 10 years.
One of the major issues that people feared about was the treatment of people from coastal Andhra and Ralayaseema who settled in Hyderabad after the formation of Telangana state.
In the last 10 years, however, there was absolutely no vindictiveness against any section of people living in Hyderabad or any part of Telangana. In the run-up to the formation of Telangana state, it was feared that many businesses in Hyderabad — established mostly by entrepreneurs from coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema — would move their operations from Telangana to Andhra Pradesh.
However, nothing of that sort happened. All kinds of businesses stayed on in Hyderabad and flourished. Telugu speaking people — whether their roots are from Telangana or Andhra Pradesh — displayed unparalleled sagacity and maturity on these two respects.
Even though Andhra Pradesh could not make a decision on the new state capital, Hyderabad grew manifold in terms of physical and economic size. Industry grew as more investments flowed in from everywhere. More jobs were created in the private sector.
Agriculture reaped benefits of mega irrigation projects. Electricity consumption increased which reflects a better standard of living. State’s tax revenue size increased, and its per capita income swelled.
Overall, the last 10 years has been the work in progress for Telangana. There is still a long way for the state to go to achieve the goals that set off the spark for the Telangana statehood movement.
