Union tourism minister K. Chiranjeevi on Saturday said Hyderabad should be made a Union Territory or the permanent joint capital of both the states.
Actor-turned-politician Chiranjeevi, who hails from coastal Andhra region, is not inclined to quit the government as he argues that he can work for addressing the problems of Andhra and Rayalaseema regions by being in “power”.
“I feel power is needed to argue on behalf of the people. To get things implemented for them in Seemandhra. If I cannot get things done for them, if I cannot fulfil their aspirations, then I will think of resigning,” he told PTI here when asked if he would quit over Telangana decision considering that some other ministers had offered to do so.
Many Congress leaders from Andhra Pradesh view privately that the Telangana state could be created only if Hyderabad is made Union Territory.
The decision of the Congress earlier this week to create Telangana state has triggered widespread protests, including resignations by at least seven Congress MPs and several MLAs from Andhra and Rayalaseema regions.
Four Union ministers — Pallam Raju, D. Purandeshwari, K. Kruparani and J.D. Seelam — are expected to follow the Congress high command’s line , if the AICC insiders are to be believed.
Asked about the contentious issue of Hyderabad, Mr Chiranjeevi said, “life revolves around Hyderabad, be it infrastructure, location or what not. It is in the interest of people that either it should be a Union Territory or a common capital permanently, not for 10 years.”
As per the Congress decision, Hyderabad is to be the common capital of both Andhra and Telangana for 10 years. By this time, a new capital will be identified and developed for Andhra.
In an effort to dissuade Union ministers from resigning, the Congress has promised to set up a committee which will look into the grievances of Andhra and Rayalaseema regions.
The committee is expected to be headed by defence minister A.K. Antony, Mr Chiranjeevi said.
He replied in negative when asked whether he would be a member of this committee.
On complaints by certain Seemandhra leaders that the decision to form Telangana was taken without considering the crucial aspects like sharing of river waters including that of Krishna, which flows into Rayalaseema from Telangana, he said such matters would be looked into by experts.
“It is not only about water sharing. It is about everything, including infrastructure, revenue and employment.... Now, the government has only announced a decision. Experts would study and get into the depth of all issues.,” he said.
As regards the violence and vandalism in Andhra and Rayalaseema regions, he appealed for peace saying it is extremely important to be calm and patient.
Meanwhile, the Trinamul Congress and the Samajwadi Party leaders opposed the bifurcation of Andhra.