Demand for separate Seema state resurfaces

Addressing the gathering at Tirupati on Thursday, RRS president Dr K. Venkata Subba Reddy warned that if the demand for a separate Rayalaseema state is not fulfilled by 2028, political parties would face a huge public backlash. He underscored the region's long-standing neglect, asserting that the time has come to restore Rayalaseema's pride and ensure its rightful place in the state's development agenda.

Dr Subba Reddy criticised past chief ministers from Rayalaseema for prioritising the development of coastal Andhra and Telangana while neglecting their own region which accounts for only 52 of the state's 294 Assembly seats.

A key resolution passed at the meeting was the proposal to introduce a private bill in Parliament under Article 3 of the Constitution to achieve statehood for Rayalaseema.

The RRS also pressed for the declaration of the Guntakal Railway Division as a separate railway zone. Further, it demanded the implementation of welfare schemes akin to 'Dalit Bandhu' and 'Rythu Bandhu', providing Rs 10 lakh in financial assistance to each family.

The RRS called for the establishment of a Telugu University and sought special funding for local universities. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) was urged to generate job opportunities for local youths and contribute funds to Rayalaseema's regional development.

Other prominent demands included reserving 80 per cent of jobs in local industries for Rayalaseema residents, accelerating pending irrigation projects, and securing a ₹10 lakh crore development package to uplift the region's infrastructure and economy.