TN, Karnataka blamed for T-rift

KADAPA, Dec. 12: The leaders of Rayalaseema are reportedly planning to bring a new issue to the fore as part of united state movement. They are allegedly planning to create rift among pro-Telangana ruling parties, DMK in Tamil Nadu and BJP in Karnataka as the Union home minister, Mr P. Chidambaram, from Tamil Nadu and the Union law minister, Mr Veerappa Moily of Karnataka had supported separate Telangana state.

It is learnt that Rayalaseema leaders who convened a meeting with senior leaders and intellectuals in Hyderabad, decided to create heat over Rayalaseema issue with Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. They are saying that they abide by united state principle and are demanding greater Rayalaseema if Telangana was separated. They are demanding merger of Telugu regions in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu in greater Rayalaseema, which were amalgamated in these states in the past.

They demand merging of Tirutthani along the Chittoor district border in Tamil Nadu, Kolar and Bellary in Karnataka in greater Rayalaseema.

It is learnt that Rayalaseema leaders are planning to give a shock to Mr Chidambaram, Mr Veerappa Moily and the Tamil Nadu chief minister, Mr Karunanidhi, with this new proposal.

Mr Masima Rajagopal Reddy, who previously fought for Rayalaseema movements, Mr Ch. Chandrasekhar Reddy, Mr R. Rajagopal Reddy, and Mr Booman had already talked to leaders about this proposal in Anantapur, Kadapa, Kurnool and Chittoor districts. They are collectively reiterating that Rayalaseema would not get even drinking water with Telangana state formation.

They are accusing that the Telangana leaders are obstructing the work to increase height of Pothireddypadu head regulator for Krishna river surplus water though crores of rupees had been allocated to Telangana irrigation projects under Jalayagnam scheme.

They are questioning the Karnataka and Tamil Nadu leaders’ support for Telangana though they are aware that such a move would turn Rayalaseema into a desert. They allege that Karnataka and Tamil Nadu leaders deliberately provoked Telangana issue to hinder Rayalaseema development with unique barites mines and red sandalwood resources.