తెలంగాణపై విషం చిమ్మిన 'కందిరీగ'

విష  నాగు... మరో విష నాగు... తెలంగాణ సమాజాన్ని, మానవ సంబంధాల్ని, సంస్కృతిని, ప్రత్యేక రాష్ట్ర ఆకాంక్షనీ అనహేళన  చేస్తూ విషం చిమ్మిన సినీ విష నాగు. అది కందిరీగ రూపంలో ముందుకొచ్చింది. 55 ఏళ్ళ మొదనష్టపు సమైక్య రాష్ట్రంలో ఎద నిండా గాయాలూ, గుండె కోతలూ  తెలంగాణకు కొత్త కాకపోయినా ఆంధ్రా ఆర్ధిక, సామాజిక, రాజకీయ, సాంస్కృతిక ఆధిపత్యాన్ని ఈ ప్రాంతం ప్రశ్నిస్తోన్న, ప్రతిఘటిస్తోన్న తరుణంలో ఆ విషనాగు 'కందిరీగ' వేషం కట్టి తెలంగాణలో తిరుగుతోంది . అది ఆంధ్రా జాత్యాభిజాత్యానికి, అహంకారానికి తిరుగులేని ఉదాహరణ, ప్రతినిధి. అయినా ఈ ఘోర అవమానాన్ని గుర్తించలేని, గర్హించలేని అమాయకత్వం మనది. 

కథ లోకి పోతే, కథానాయకుడి ఊరు, ఇంకెక్కడా అదే ఆంధ్రా, అదే అనకాపల్లి. తల్లితండ్రులు 23 ఏళ్ళ వయసొచ్చినా తనకు పెళ్లి చేయడంలేదని ఆ విషయంతో ఎ విధంగానూ సంబంధం లేని ఒక అమ్మాయిని పెళ్లి పీటల మీదినించి 'లేపుకొస్తాడు'. ఇది 'హీరో' పరిచయపు సన్నివేశం. ఆ తర్వాత డిగ్రీ కూడా పాసవని వాణ్ని పెళ్లి చేసుకోనని తన మరదలు చీదరించుకోవడంతో రేషంతో శపథం చేసి ట్రైనులో హైదరాబాదు బయలుదేరతాడు. అదే ట్రైనులో, అదే అనకాపల్లిలో తెలంగాణా యాసలో మాట్లాడే ఈవ్ టీజర్స్ బారి నుండి అమ్మాయిల్ని రక్షించి, ఆ రౌడీలకు 'అమ్మాయిల్ని అల్లరి చెయ్యాలి కాని, అల్లరిపాలు చెయ్యకూడదు' అని గీతోపదేశం చేస్తాడు. అంతే! ఆ  'హీరోచిత' ఫైటింగుకు, తర్వాతి ప్రవచనానికి అమ్మాయిలంతా ఫ్లాట్! మన ఖర్మ కాలి అలా 'పడిపోయిన' వారిలో మన తెలంగాణకు, వరంగల్లుకు చెందిన అమ్మాయీ ఉంటుంది.

హైదరాబాదు చేరుకున్న హీరో గారు(శీను) కాలేజీలో చేరతారు. అక్కడ మొదటి చూపులోనే శృతి  అనే అమ్మాయితో ప్రేమలో పడతాడు. విశేషమేమిటంటే ఈమె తండ్రి ఆంధ్రా బ్యాంకులో ఉద్యోగి. ఆ ప్రస్తావన ఎందుకో తర్వాత చెప్తాను. ఇహ షరా మామూలుగానే విలన్లూ, ఫైటింగులూ ! మొత్తానికి హీరో తన చచ్చు, పుచ్చు 'అతి తెలివితో' తన ప్రేయసిని రక్షించుకుంటాడు. సుఖాంతమయ్యిందనుకున్న కథ మరో మలుపు తిరుగుతుంది. అప్పటికి ఒక గంటే అయ్యింది మరి! శ్రుతిని వరంగల్ రాజన్నకు చెందిన మనుషులు కిడ్నాప్ చేస్తారు. అనకాపల్లిలో హీరో గారి వీరోచిత యుద్ధ ప్రావిణ్యానికి, ప్రవచనానికి 'పడిపోయిన' అమ్మాయిల్లో  ఈ రాజన్న కూతురు ఒకరు. ఆమె శీనుగాడిని తప్ప మరెవర్నీ పెళ్ళిచేసుకోనని జిద్దుకు  కూర్చుంటుంది. శ్రుతిని కిడ్నాప్ చేస్తే, ఆమెను ప్రేమిస్తున్నాడు కాబట్టి శీను కూడా వరంగల్లుకు వస్తాడు. అదీ లింకు. అదే జరుగుతుంది. కాకతీయ తోరణమున్న ఒక పెద్ద భవనంలో రాజన్న మందీ మార్బలంతో ఉంటాడు. గమ్మత్తేమిటంటే  'రాయలసీమ'  'మర్యాద రామన్న' సినిమాను చిత్రీకరించిన ఇంటి లోనే ఈ సన్నివేశాల చిత్రీకరణ జరిగింది. ఇదేం అపరాధం కాదు కానీ, రాయలసీమ ప్రాంత గృహ నిర్మాణ పధ్ధతి ప్రతిబింబించేలా సెట్ వేసుకున్నామని చెప్పుకున్న ఇంట్లో తెలంగాణ ప్రాంతమని చెప్పి షూట్ చేయడాన్ని బట్టి దర్శకుడికి టేస్ట్, శ్రద్ధ, నిజాయితీ వంటివేవీ లేవని రుజువవుతుంది. మొత్తానికి ఒక తోరణాన్ని ఇంటి ముందర పెట్టి వరంగల్ అనిపించారు, కథ నడిపించారు.

ఇహ ఇక్కడ మొదలౌతుంది విష నాగు విశ్వరూపం! సారీ! అదే 'కందిరీగ' విశ్వరూపం! మొట్ట మొదటి సీన్ నుంచే  రాజన్న కూతురిని (సంధ్య) ఒక తెలివితక్కువదానిలా చూపిస్తాడు దర్శకుడు (అమాయకత్వానికి, తెలివితక్కువతనానికి చాలా తేడా ఉంది!).  హీరో గారు కూడా 'తింగరబుచ్చి', 'ఇంత వయోలెంట్ గా ఎలా పుట్టావే!?' అని అనడం ద్వారా, ఇంకా అసహనం, అవహేళన కూడిన వాచికం, అభినయంతో ఈ విషయంలో మనకేమైనా అనుమానలుంటే పూర్తిగా  నివృత్తి చేస్తాడు. ఇక సంధ్యకు తనపై ఉన్నది ప్రేమ కాదనీ, ఇష్టం మాత్రమేనని, నిజమైన ప్రేమ కలిగితే గుండె గంటలు మోగుతాయని జ్ఞానోదయం ప్రసాదిస్తాడు. అయితే తర్వాతి సన్నివేశంలో హీరోకి బద్ద శత్రువైన భవానీని అనుకోకుండా గుద్దుకుంటుంది సంధ్య. భవానీ సంధ్యను కింద పడకుండా పట్టుకుంటాడు. చూపులు కలుస్తాయి. అదే సమయంలో ఇంటి బయట ఒక ఎద్దు మెడలో కట్టిన గంటలు మోగుతాయి.  'గంట మోగింది' కాబట్టి అదే ప్రేమ అనుకునేంత ఎడ్డిదానిగా (తెలంగాణా, వరంగల్ పిల్ల కదా!) చూపిస్తాడు దర్శకుడు. దార్శనికుడు మరి! ఇది చాలదన్నట్టు చివర్లో సంధ్యకు నత్తి అనే మరో ఆభరణం తగిలిస్తాడు. ఎందుకంటే విలన్ భవానీకి కూడా నత్తి ఉంటుంది. కాబట్టి ఇద్దరూ సరిజోడని వారి అభిప్రాయం కావచ్చు. ఎందుకంటే రాజన్న, భవానీ ఇద్దరూ గూండాలే కదా!  మరీ చిల్లర మల్లర గాడైన శీనుకి, 'ఆంధ్రా' బ్యాంకు ఉద్యోగి కూతురెందుకో? 'రాయలసీమ మురిసిపడేలా' రామినీడు కూతురు 'తెలుగమ్మాయి' అయినట్టు, 'తెలంగాణ' మురిసిపడేలా రాజన్న కూతురు ఎందుకు 'తెలుగమ్మాయి' కాలేకపోయింది? 'తెలివితక్కువదెందుకయ్యింది'? ఎందుకంటే ఇది 'సమైక్య' రాష్ట్రం కాబట్టి!
  
'ఇల్లే ఇంత అందంగా ఉంటే బావగారెంత అందంగా ఉంటారో' అని ముందు చంద్ర మోహన్ పాత్రతో అనిపించి వెంటనే మర్డర్ చేసిన కత్తి రక్తంతో కాబోయే వియ్యంకుడికి రాజన్నచే తిలకం దిద్దిస్తాడు దర్శకుడు.  రాజన్న పాత్రను జయప్రకాశ్ వేసారు. అలవాటులో పొరపాటుగా ఇది రాయలసీమ సినిమా అనుకున్నాడేమో పాపం దర్శకుడు! ఒక అమర్యాదస్తుడిగా, సంస్కారంలేని వ్యక్తిగా రాజన్నను చిత్రిస్తాడు. అక్కడితో అయిపోదు. కాబోయే మామగారిని సంధ్యకు పరిచయం చేస్తాడు రాజన్న. అదేమీ పట్టించుకోకుండా, కనీసం పలకరించకుండా కేబులోన్ని 'బొక్కల నూకు' మంటుంది సంధ్య. తెలంగాణా అమ్మాయిని మర్యాద తెలిసిన వ్యక్తిగా చూపించడం ఇష్టం లేదు కావొచ్చు దర్శకుడికి.  ఇది టూ మచ్ అంటారా? వెంటనే తండ్రి నమస్కరించమంటే సంధ్య ఏమంటుందో చూడండి. ' చల్... గా పొట్టి సాలెగాడు... గానికి నేను మొక్కుడేంది? నేన్మొక్కా..' దానికి రాజన్న 'అర్రే.. గాయన నీ మామ... మంచిగుండది...' అంటాడు.  అయితే తర్వాత సన్నివేశంతో లిబరల్స్ ఇంకా ఎవరైనా ఉంటే వారికి కూడా విషయం అర్థం అయ్యేలా జాగ్రత్త పడ్డాడు దర్శకుడు. శ్రుతిని తన తండ్రికి పరిచయం చేస్తాడు శీను. వెంటనే శృతి పద్ధతిగా కాబోయే మామకి నమస్కరిస్తుంది. ఎంతయినా 'ఆంధ్రా' బ్యాంకు ఉద్యోగి కూతురు కదా! వినయం, విధేయత, సంస్కారం అన్నీ ఆంధ్రా వారి గుత్త సోత్తాయే!        
   
ఈ సినిమాలో తెలంగాణ ప్రాంత వేషధారణ చేసిన వారు వింత వింతగా కన్పిస్తుంటారు. ఉదాహరణకు రాజన్న శత్రువు ఒకడు అడుగు స్థలం కోసం 500 ఎకరాల భూమిని అమ్ముకుంటాడు. పరువుకోసం అన్నట్టు చూపిస్తాడు దర్శకుడు. అంత ఎర్రోడు అని అయ్యవారి అభిప్రాయం. వేల ఎకరాల భూములను రియల్ ఎస్టేట్ గద్దలనుండి ఎలా కాపడుకోవాలో తెలంగాణ వారికి తెలియకపోవడం నిజంగా 'ట్రాజిడీయే'! దాన్ని కూడా కామెడీ చేయగల ప్రజ్ఞా పాటవాలు కేవలం ఆంధ్రా వారికే ఉన్నాయి. అట్లే ఈ పాత్రధారులు మాట్లేడే యాస కూడా చాలా చికాకు పెడుతుంది. సంధ్య ఎన్నిసార్లు 'చల్' అన్నదో, రాజన్న ఎన్నిసార్లు 'తోడ్కలు తీస్తా' నన్నాడో లెక్క పెట్టలేకపోయాను. అసలు ఇట్లాంటి యాస వరంగల్ జిల్లాలో ఎక్కడ, ఎవరు మాట్లాడతారో చెబితే దర్శక నిర్మాతలకు పాదాభివందనం చెసుకుంటాను. తెలంగాణ యాసలను న్యూనపరిచే, అవహేళన చేసే, కింఛపరిచే ఇలాంటి సన్నివేశాలను అనేక సినిమాలలో గత 55 సంవత్సరాలుగా భరిస్తూనే ఉన్నాం. ఇంకెంతకాలం? 


ఇప్పటి వరకూ తెలంగాణను ప్రతీకాత్మకంగా ఎట్లా అవమానించాడో చూసాం. ఇది ఒక ఎత్తయితే ఒక పాటలో తెలంగాణా ఉద్యమాన్నీ, తెలంగాణా వాదుల్నీ, తెలంగాణా ఉద్యమకారుల్నీ చులకన చేయటం మరో ఎత్తు! 'ప్రేమే పోయినాదిలే' పాటలో పూర్తిగా దిగాజారుతాడు దర్శకుడు, పాట రచయిత. 

'... అల్లుడే రెడీ అంటే తెలంగాణ తెప్పించేస్తా...' అంటాడు రాజన్న. అదేదో ఆ అల్లుడుగారి, ఈ మామగారి ప్రైవేటు వ్యవహారమన్నట్టు! ఈ లైన్ తర్వాత ఒక్కసారి స్క్రీన్ ఫ్రీజ్ అవుతుంది. అందరూ ఆముదం తాగిన మొహాలు పెడతారు. తర్వాత రాజన్న బామ్మర్ది  ' మంచిగున్న బావని వీడు మెంటల్ గాన్ని చేసాడంటా...' అని అందుకుంటాడు. అంటే తెలంగాణాని కోరుకోకపోవటం 'మంచిగ ఉండటం', కోరుకోవటం 'మెంటల్' గా అయిపోవటం! ఈ సదరు బామ్మర్ది  ఇంటలిజెన్స్ డిపార్టుమెంటులో పనిచేయటం యాదృచ్చికమేనా? 

దీంతో ఇప్పటివరకూ ఇస్తూ వస్తున్న 'బెనిఫిట్ అఫ్ డౌట్'కు  ఈ సినిమా పూర్తిగా అనర్హమౌతుంది! తెలంగాణ వాడి గుండె మండుతుంది, రక్తం మసలుతుంది. సమైక్యవాదం ఒక ఫార్సు కాకపోతే ఈ పాటికే సున్నితమైన ప్రస్తుత సందర్భంలో ఇలాంటి రెచ్చగొట్టే సినిమా తీసినందుకు సీమంధ్ర ప్రాంత ప్రజలు ఆ దర్శక, నిర్మాతలను నిలదీయాలి, ప్రశ్నించాలి. కాని అది జరగలేదు, జరగదు! ఇప్పటికే 'అన్నదమ్ముల్లా విడిపోదాం, ఆత్మీయుల్లా కలిసుందాం' నించి 'ప్రాంతాలుగా విడిపోదాం ప్రజలుగా కలిసుందాం' వరకు వచ్చింది పరిస్థితి. తెలంగాణ ఏర్పాటు అనివార్యం, తథ్యం! అయితే తెలుగువారి మధ్య ఈ విభజన భౌగోళికమే కాని మానసికం  కారాదన్నా, పరస్పర అభిమానం, గౌరవం కొనసాగాలన్నా  'కందిరీగ' లాంటి సినిమాలను సీమంధ్ర ప్రజలు తిరస్కరించాలి. 'కందిరీగ' రూపంలోని ఈ విషనాగు సీమంధ్రలోని కోంతమంది   స్వార్థపరుల,  పెట్టుబడివర్గాల, ఆభిజాత్యం, ఆధిపత్యం,  అహంకారం, ప్రాంతీయతత్త్వాలకు పుట్టిన విష పుత్రిక. వీటిని సమూలంగా నాశనం చేస్తేనే తెలుగువారి మధ్య భావ ఐక్యత సాధ్యం! చేయీ చేయీ కలపటానికి  తెలంగాణా ఎప్పుడూ సగానికంటే ఎక్కువ దూరం నడవటానికి సిద్ధమే! 

Chidambaram's apathy

Yesterday's press conference of Mr.Chidambaram. My reply in bold text.
Q: Congress MLAs and MPs from Telangana tendered their resignations. Do you feel that the situation is really out of control now?

A: I dont think there's anything that's gone out of control. The MPs and MLAs have forewarned us that they are obliged to tender their resignations on the fourth of July. This has not come as a surprise for us. Meanwhile the party's general secretary in-charge is talking to the Telangana MLAs and MPs... the MPs are here and the MLAs are in Hyderabad. We're in touch with them. I don't think we need to get alarmed about this development. They have given expression to a view that they hold very strongly... but I think we'll be able to persuade them to be patient and to allow the consultation process to continue.

Me: When was the situation under control, to now go out of control? So the'out of control' situation is not gone out of control.  If you look at it, the statement also is an indication that the Congress High Command bothers least for Telangana leaders leave alone Telangana people. 'Chiddu' says that they were forewarned by the T-leaders and they were obliged to express their views. But they cared a damn for it and sent Mr. Azad to prepare them for the ensuing Council - a reinvention of TRC of 1956.

Q: Mr. Chidambaram, the congress MLAs and MPs are quoting your 9th December statement and asking why the government is going back on its own word? That's why they are giving the resignations.

A: For the last time, let me say the 9th December is not an individual's statement. It was a statement made on behalf of a Governement. But, on 23rd Decemeber it had issued another statement telling why it had to put the 9th December statement on hold and start a process of consultation. So, whenever you refer to the 9th December statement kindly also refer to the Dec 23 statement.

Me: You made equal a fifteen day anti-Telangana agitation to a 60 year old Telangana Statehood movement. All familiar story for us Mr. Home Minister. Andhras always weigh more in your justice balance than us, Mr. Advocate.

Q: You said your party in-charge is in a dialogue with resigned representatives. Representatives from TDP also resigned. How do you deal with them? You promised of another all-party meeting six months ago. How long will it take to conduct that meeting?

A: Well, I can not comment on the resignation of an MLA belonging to TDP party. I don't think any MLA should resign. But that's for the leader of the TDP to deal with that. Yes. We'll hold an all-party meeting. At least two parties which are not yet ready with their final views. Once I get the indication that they are ready to give their final view, immediately the meeting will be called.

Me: I think you were addressing the press as the Home Minister of the country and not as a Congress spokesperson. The TDP leader doesn't need any advice from you as how to control their MLAs. He is more than a match for you Mr. Minister. It was a crisis created by the Central government and the T-TDP MLAs have resigned because you did a volte face with your decision on 23rd December. And you owe an explanation.

Q: WHat is the Central government's view on the Telangana issue. You have received Srikrishna Committee report. What's your action on that?

A: The central government's view will be made known after the consultation process is over.WE have to bring everybody on board. There are strong views of a large number of people. We're trying to work out a consensus. If I had the central government's view today, I'd have told that before. right? The central government is yet to take a final decision.

Me: Strong views of who Mr. Minister? Consensus on what? Consensus only on creation of seperate State? Should it be ok if there was no consensus for the Andhra Pradesh to continue?

Q: Then, how do you assuage the feelings of Telangana representatives?

A: By talking to them.

Me: 'Tall talk' really!

Q: But you have been talking to them for a long time, and that's why they resorted to these resignations.

A: we'll continue to talk to them until a consensus emerges.

Me: No time is too long for you 'Kumbhakarnas'.

Q: (in Hindi) Mr. Home Minister, in the name of consultations you can not take very long time. There should be a deadline to it. More than a year has passed. They say they can not wait for more time.

A: I understand, I understatnd their impatience. But these are complex issues. We'll try to expedite the consultation process. We'll try to take a final call. But these are extremely sensitive and complex issues. Therefore one has to have this understanding and patience, especially the media.

Me: We understood that you didn't understand the question Mr.Chidambaram.

Q: But, your party is famous for resolving complex issues.

A: (Kapil Sibal) We accept that compliment.

(Chidambaram) That's why they vote us back to power.

Me: Oh, you understood it that way, Mr. Sibal? You see a compliment in this?

Q: But Telangana people are suffering..

A: We'll talk to them... repeats

Me: You talk more on talking rather than actually 'talking', Mr. Chidambaram!

Q: There are 80 companies of forces and majority of them in Telangana. So there's a feeling that the centre is not going to implement its promise. And that's why all these MLAs and MPs are resinging.
 A: That's your conclusion. As I said the Governement has not yet taken a view.

Me: If only we knew your conclusion could we put a lid on our thoughts, Your Highness!

Q: Are you pulling these MLAs and MPs not to precipitate a crisis?

A: Yes, the general secretary in-charge and other leaders are talking to these MPs, MLAs and MLCs and let's wait for the outcome.

Me: Was that pulling or bullying, Mr. Minister?

Telangana 'Mir Jafars'!!

History repeats itself! Because Humans reproduce themselves!! Following the Telangana's unprecedented struggle for creation of a new State for the region invariably reminds us of several epoch-making events of the History. The English East India Company - a trading company at the outset could later rule the country for 2 centuriess because of traitorous Indians siding with them at the very critical moments. The Battle of Plassey, undoubtedly the decisive battle that paved the way for British rule in India is a case in point.

The EIC, initially was interested in getting trade concessions from the Emperors of India and Nawabs of Bengal. They got the privileges in the form of duty-free trade by means of  dastaks. Dastaks are like passes which will be given to the Company. The passes were not to be used by the officials for their private trade. However, the greedy Company officials started misusing the passes and even started selling them to other Indian traders thereby depriving the Indian rulers huge tax money. Worse still, they started levying exorbitant taxes on Indian goods and Indian merchants. However, Bengal with a streak of able and self-respecting rulers  did not tolerate this. Siraj-ud-daula, the young Bengal ruler attacked the British cantonments and factories and made them to flee to an island - Fulta island - in the Bay of Bengal. The Young Nawab was amateurish in celebrating the victory while the cunning British were cooking the conspiracies from the sea. The British realized that they needed a puppet as the Nawab for their interests to be served unhindered. 

Robert Clive who fought battles against the French successfully was deputed to fight the young Nawab - Siraj-ud-daula. Clive used treachery as his main weapon. He induced Mir Jafar - a commander in Siraj's army with the Throne of Bengal if he colludes with the British. Mir Jafar along with some other traitors sided with the British and turned the guns against their own Bengal Army. The Battle of Plassey was no exhibition of strength but of treachery, to state the obvious fact. The victorious British instated Mir Jafar as the Nawab. The puppet Nawab reciprocated with humongous amount of money as war indemnity and bribes to the British officials. But Mir Jafar soon realised his folly and knew that the thirst for the money and presents of the British can never be quenched. When Mir Jafar started to question this, he was removed from the office citing incompetence as reason. He was replaced by another puppet ruler Mir Qasim. Unlike Mir Jafar, Qasim was quick to reassert the independence of the Nawab much to the displeasure of the British. Then in Battle of Buxar the Nawab was defeated to be reinstated by Mir Jafar again. Followed that was history - that looked 'an eternal gloom for India '!  

  

Though separated by centuries in time, the Telangana political leaders of the day are playing Mir Jafar of that age. When the shameless Seemandhra leaders took to coercion and did a volte face within hours of the Decemer 9th  statement from the Governement of India, the Telangana leaders withdrew from performing their Dhrama. Worse still, some of them became hand-in-glove with the Seemandhra leadership targeting those who are relentless in their fight for the Statehood. The Seemandhra leaders' colonial doctrine of 'divide and rule' was put in place and these leaders are more than willing to play Mir Jafar. The subservient Telangana TDP leaders' attacks on people questioning their party's stand on the issue and the chameleon Babu's veiled contempt for the pro-Telangana TDP leaders deserved them the title Mir Jafar in 'Group category'. The acceptance of Deputy CM post by Damodara Rajnarsimha, Deputy Speaker post by Bhatti Vikramarka is another case in point. When hundreds of agitators died and thousands put their life at risk participating in the movement these spineless leaders once again bargained self respect for the power. The irony of the Telangana movement is that people's fight for throwing the Seemandhra vested interests yoke resulted in the selection of their puppets to the high office!  Another duo of Danam Nagender and Mukesh Goud have been living Mir Jafar to the core. But the 'Best Mir Jafar enactment' must go to Sangareddy MLA T. Jayaprakash Reddy.  When the Congress leaders announced their decision to resign en masse, he became the lone hope for the Seemadhra leaders and vested interests - not to forget the Seemandhra news channels. Can't help but feel pity of the anti-Telangana movement! 

   

There were Mir Jafars. There are and there will be. Time and space may differ but their modus operandi remains the same just as their masters' barbaric means to achieve the rapacious ends. What would also not change is the ignominy they face at the end of the story!

Catch them young!

One of my close uncles visited my house and I offered to drop him at his place. On the way, he asked me to drive to a different place. And for what? 'To check the photoes of girls for a match!' For a match with a 20-day beard and clothes that would put a street vendor who sells used clothes to shame! I became speechless for a while but couldn't say no for reasons intrinsic and extrinsic! We reached the place and met a person who looked a typical 'poojari'.

He opened his yahoo mail and there comes a page full of young girls! I was moving impatiently for I never believed in this kind of stupidity! Choosing girl(s) on the 'face value'! Worse still rejecting girls on 'face value'! Long back I myself wrote - 'if you are incompetent - no pun intended - you may well become inhuman in due course!'. A serious quote if you think! Never did I think it comes back to me boomeranged! Now, I can neither run around trees ( read Coffee Shops, Lumbini Parks or I MAX halls) nor can I go against what I had been 'preaching' all along from my college days! I am sure there are atleast a few who are sharpening their swords for my head! Never mind.

A mind full of conflicting thoughts! Then came the wife of the person. 'It became a headache searching for girls! It's the time of the girls! They have so many conditions for and expectations of the boys!'. I then came to know that the photoes being shown to me are in fact came for their son! Either rejected or got rejected! Half-dead!! Felt like running away! Then the person clicked on the thumbnail to enlarge it. It was taking all the time in the world to download! Indifferent till that time, I became a little curious! 'Andee andani andame muddu!' Wait wasn't worth!

The person turned to me and asked, 'Do you have any chance of going abroad?'. 'I am not interested!' - said I. Because the next girl stays in US and wants a groom who's settled there! In fact there were two categories of girls - one who want a groom who has no plans of going abroad and the other who want one who intend to abroad! I belong to neither for I never 'wanted' to go abroad, nor do I resist the idea of going! An absolute non-believer in planning!

Some more photoes but the doors of the heart never really opened - even a wee bit! Then came a girl - who looked good even in a thumbnail. But the person wasn't interested! He said the girl is 'chamana chaya' (wheatish colour). 'Is it OK if the girl is chamana chaya?' Felt like hitting my head on to a wall! I said colour is not a problem. He still was not opening it giving some other reason! I looked firm and insistent! He was smart enough to read me! The girl looked fine to me. Details noted down. Then some more photoes browsed but to no effect.

Panchangam was taken out to check the 'compatibility'! A score of 27 on 36! 2 plus 7 is 9. And 9 is a lucky number! Then the person rang to the father of the girl zeroed-in! The girl works for a noted software firm. Was I a bit nervous? I don't know! I was almost evesdropping what the other person was speaking, though. Some details from my side been passed. They cited that that there's a 7 years of gap between us! Heartbreak! I know that was an anachronism for saying no to a person! Sounded familiar - a deja vu! And on top of it the person started saying - 'this boy looks hundred times better than your girl! That's why I am saying, don't mind we rejected your girl but I am compensating with this!' What to say of that exaspearatingly eccentric person! You read the above lines again! But the girl looked fine really! Then came the shock of the day! The girl belong to the same 'gothra'! All the doors opened yet crash-closed in a flash! Back to square one!

The search resumed! I regrouped from the 'setback'! That watermelon they served did help! He asked me again if I really had no chance of going abroad. I said, ' I said I am not interested'. Then he took my palm into his and looked at me as if I were a fool. I was surprised by his looks. He said, 'You will go abroad!'. I was bemused. Not because he said that I will go abroad! I was thinking if he now tries convincing people that I will some day land up in a foreign nation and sets up marriage on that 'post-dated' cheque! I didn't respond. Then stopped at a girl who looked really pretty! I asked what she does. ' Works for a --TV'. 'Then she must be from Andhra' - I said. Then my uncle said that I am an active participant in the Telangana movement and so may not prefer a girl from Andhra! I stopped him midway and corrected him. I said, 'as I take part in the movement that girl may not be interested!' It was the second time I had to say this. Because I have no problem with someone saying 'Jai Samaikyandhra', but I sure will ask for the justification. And I am sure I can convince them on my view! We have been trying to convince people and are open to get convinced! No one really put up a worthwhile argument yet!

It didn't go further! Then suddenly the person jumped out of his seat and asked if 'ashlesha - 4' girl is OK? I got perplexed! Now what was that? Right at the moment my father called me and I directed the question to my father. Then they talked for a while. You should see the ecstacy of the person! My uncle asked what does the girl do. I think he asked it for five times and the man 'on the cloud nine' refuses to heed! 'She is an advocate' - he replied. He for the first time cared to ask me if I were interested in an LLB? I whispered in my uncle's ears - advocate or journalist is in fact great for me, coz they can understand my 'language' better. He jumped out of the seat for a second time! Now he said - 'You stay here in our house today, we'll go to the girl's house tomorrow.' I said, 'my house is nearby, I can as well come tomorrow morning.' He said, 'I don't want to leave you.' Now what does that mean? This guy given slightest of room will even marry me to the girl if that girl expresses interest! Don's ask if he cares about how I feel? I scratched my uncle with my sight, he understood it rightaway! I almost ran out of the house lest the person would catch me again!

All along the 15 minutes drive from there to my house I was laughing all by myself, at times screaming! Went by the memory lane to recollect that gorgeous Soundarya in the movie 'Raja' who tickled manhood in me for the first time! Then Arti Agarwal stayed as a woman of my liking for a few years. And so on... There were some who liked me and some others whom I liked. But the problem has been, I didn't like those who liked me and they didn't like me whom I liked! Sort of a deadlock - for only the God to solve! Beware guys, particularly those who are in their early twenties! It is the time of the Girls. And so the moral of the story is: CATCH THEM YOUNG!!!

'Aa challani samudra garbham' by Dasarathi

ఆ చల్లని సముద్ర గర్భం దాచిన బడబానలమెంతో

ఆ నల్లని ఆకాశంలో కానరాని భాస్కరులెందరో  ||ఆ చల్లని||

భూగోళం పుట్టుక కోసం రాలిన సుర గోళాలెన్నో

ఈ మానవ రూపం కోసం జరిగిన పరిణామాలెన్నో

ఒక రాజుని గెలిపించుటలో ఒరిగిన నర కంఠములెన్నో

కుల మతాల సుడిగుండాలకు బలియైన పవిత్రులెందరో  ||ఆ చల్లని||


మానవ కళ్యాణం కోసం పణమెత్తిన రక్తము ఎంతో

రణరక్కసి కరాళ నృత్యం రాచిన పసి ప్రాణాలెన్నో

కడుపు కోతతో అల్లాడిన కన్నులలో విషాదమెంతో

భూస్వాముల  దౌర్జన్యాలకు

ధనవంతుల దుర్మార్గాలకు

దగ్ధమైన బతుకులు ఎన్నో  ||ఆ చల్లని||


అన్నార్తులు అనాథలుండని ఆ నవయుగమదెంత దూరం

కరువంటూ కాటకమంటూ కనిపించని కాలాలెపుడో

పసిపాపల నిదుర కనులలో ముసిరిన భవితవ్యం ఎంతో

గాయపడిన కవి గుండెలలో రాయబడని కావ్యాలెన్నో ||ఆ చల్లని ||

Dialectical Materialism - Telangana Statehood

Long back in 2008, I was introduced to ‘Dialectic Materialism’ by one of my favourite Professors. I was instantly attracted to it. “The basic idea of dialectical materialism is that every economic order grows to a state of maximum efficiency, while at the same time developing internal contradictions or weaknesses that contribute to its decay”. When the Telangana movement erupted in November 2009, the first thing that came across my mind was this aspect of Marxism albeit in a different perspective.

Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) contested 2009 elections as part of a ‘Grand Alliance’. It received a drubbing from the Telangana voters. However, by that decision, Telangana movement got strengthened almost to a point of no return in the way to achieving Statehood. Many criticized TRS of dillydallying with its partners and some critics even branded its acts as power mongering. TRS, probably, saw the most formidable hurdle in the way to the new State in Late. YSR and the desperate Babu was all ready for an alliance with TRS. Many predicted a landslide victory for ‘Grand Alliance’. Results to the contrary made Late YSR an undisputed leader of AP. The victorious YSR several times belittled TRS legislators - notably Etela Rajender - in the heart of the Assembly. He cleverly twisted his ambiguous stand ‘We are not against Telangana’ to ‘people of Telangana gave the verdict in favour of development than to a separate State’. And the subservient Telangana congress leaders echoed unashamedly. It was the time when Telangana proponents’ confidence reached a new nadir and the chances of Telangana formation looked most bleak! Late YSR, unarguably most anti-Telangana reigned supreme!

He built his empire on economic skullduggery – every sane economist warned that the ‘welfare schemes’ he ‘heroically’ introduced were unsustainable - and on a network of extremely corrupt and coercive forces. It was the time of ‘Give and Take’ – or shall I say ‘Surrender/Submit and Take’. For Telangana it meant ‘surrender Telangana demand at His ‘lotus’ feet and take a contract or two’. It was an order that made even the most optimistic lot of Telangana State proponents resign! The order reached a state of maximum efficiency by 2009.

God knows what turns history would have taken had that unfortunate, untimely death of YSR did not take place! There is little doubt, though, at hindsight, that history did take a favourable turn for Telangana! Even the hardcore ‘Samaikyandhra’ supporter agrees to this, I guess! And the internal contradictions of this seemingly infallible order - both of economic and political - now come to surface! I feel the Congress High Command – which believes in the theory of whole (i.e. itself), is much, much bigger than the constituent parts (state leaders) – probably saw it as God-sent opportunity to reestablish its own order of ‘I will, you follow’.

On the other hand, the economic and political order that was in vogue demanded a leader of the same mold as Mr. YSR. However, the contradictions – extreme corruption, coercion, blasphemous stance towards the High Command, debilitating economy and most importantly the pernicious attitude towards Telangana Statehood demand – by now have become too powerful! The desperation and the extreme greed were all evident inside 24 hours of YSR’s death! It was a tight fix for them to be out of power or at least not being able to wield the same unbridled power as before! And by now, many of the lesser mortals went too far ahead with the builders of this order and it was suicidal for them to take any route other than this!

Then came the Telangana movement’s hour of success! Central government announced that the ‘process of Telangana State formation will be initiated’ after KCR’s brave fast and the subsequent agitation that is unprecedented in the history of the region. Now, the plutocrats of the Seemandhra began doing what they know the best – the lobbying! It’s a long and familiar history of how the December 9th statement got progressively diluted in December 23rd and January 5th, 2010 statements. But, Telangana showed unprecedented maturity and intensity complicating the job of the Centre. At the same time the hide and seek game for the power by the ‘yuva neta’ also continued unabated! Finding itself in a tight spot, the High Command became clueless!

The Centre had to deal with two extremely potent issues at the same time. The open defiance of a ‘shortsighted’ young leader and his hapless followers and the unwavering agitation for Telangana State. The High Command wanted one of these to take a natural death! However, that was not to be! The support for the leader, though not as explicit as in the beginning, still was considerable. And the movement only got stronger by the day. When the young leader decided to take head-on, the High Command had to take a stand. Also Telangana was staring at its face! They bought some time by forming an absolutely comic committee, but to no avail!

But, the High Command today is in a desperate position to take a decision! And that means it should forego, politically, one of the two regions – Telangana or Seemandhra! It was proved before that Seemandhra people do not vehemently oppose Telangana formation; the same could not be said about Telangana people though. So the question boils down to 'how much damage the young leader can inflict on the Congress party in that region'. Today’s by-election could be a pointer to that. If the young leader drubs the Congress, it may go ahead with its proposed State formation thereby checking his influence from spreading to Telangana! The sight of young leader holding ‘Samaikyandhra’ placards with the opposition TDP MPs is still fresh in the memory of Telangana people. And the ‘yuva neta’ did not do enough to come clean on this charge that he is anti-Telangana like his father was. So his influence can be restricted in Telangana if Statehood is granted. Contrarily, and this looks highly unlikely to me, if Congress wins or reduces the winning margin of the ‘yuva neta’, the ‘yuva neta’ may be forced to toe a pro-Telangana stand to further malign the Centre. There were already some indications to this effect. That may mean too many hot potatoes for the Centre to handle! Either way the formation of Telangana State is the only option the Centre will be left with!!

Telangana (not just the demand for a State) suffered the most under YSR’s regime. His specious but pernicious anti-Telangana attitude was evident many a time. He built an order that was draining Telangana resources like never before into the pockets of neo-capitalists! But the same order after his demise began to develop cracks in the form of his own son and his gang of greedy and desperate politicians, a High Command whose ego was hurt beyond repair and most importantly the enraged Telangana region waiting for the first opportunity to throw off the Andhra capitalist yoke. There may be unexpected twists to this story once the result for the Kadapa by-poll is out. But one thing is certain. The son of a leader who is known for his anti-Telangana Statehood stance is forcing the Centre to take a call on this long pending demand. Or I will put it this way – The most ardent opponent of Telangana Statehood had sowed the seeds of greed, opportunism and coercion that are now forcing the Centre to expedite the process of forming Telangana State! That is dialectics as I understood in this entire episode!

Madhav
( PS: I am not a political science student. Whatever I wrote is just a layman's observation of things happening around.)

Letters sent to 'The Hindu'

Reply to the Article: 'Centre studying proposal to seek Presidential reference to court'

Sir,

This is in response to the front page article 'Centre studying proposal to seek Presidential reference to court' published on 5th January 2010. The correspondent quoting a legal expert concluded that Justice Fazal Ali's first SRC rejected the idea of formation of Telangana part of erstwhile Hyderabad state into a separate State. The article concluded with an observation to support the above conclusion. Nothing can be farther from truth. The SRC's report, pertaining to Andhra and Hyderabad state, has three parts - paras 369 to 374 dealing with 'Case for Vishalandhra', paras 375 to 380 dealing with 'Case for Telangana' and paras 381 to 389 dealing with 'the State of Hyderabad'. It is in the paras 381 to 389 that the commision gave its conclusion. It said - "After taking all these factors into consideration we have come to the conclusion that it will be in the interests of Andhra as well as Telangana, if for the present, the Telangana area is to constitute into a separate State, which may be known as the Hyderabad State with provision for its unification with Andhra after the general elections likely to be held in or about 1961 if by a two thirds majority the legislature of the residuary Hyderabad State expresses itself in favor of such unification". Hence it is clear that the Commission wanted the Telangana part of the erstwhile Hyderabad State be formed into a separate State and Vishalandhra be deferred at least till 1961. Also, Jawaharlal Nehru opined that the idea of Vishalandhra bore a 'tint of expansionist imperialism'. He compared it with matrimonial alliance having “provision for divorce” if the partners in the alliance cannot get on well. Had the great man not succumbed to the pressure of Andhra leaders,Telangana would not have been in a sorry state as it exists today. I am saddened to note that the correspondent's writeup is completely misleading and only hope that it was not deliberate!


http://www.hindu.com/2010/01/06/stories/2010010655540801.htm - Published on 1/6/2010


Reply to 'Way out in Andhra Pradesh'

Sir,



This is in response to the editorials that appeared in your newspapers on 9th and 24th December - 'Correct diagnosis, wrong cure' and 'Way out in Andhra Pradesh'. The attempt to limit the struggle for reviving the Telangana part of erstwhile Hyderabad state to mere developmental inequalities displays The Hindu's lack of understanding of the ground realities in the state. The 1969 'Jai Telangana' movement broke out demanding the strict implemetation of the provisions of 'Gentlemen's Agreement' of 1956 that effected the conditional merger of Telangana and the Andhra state. Since there were no genuine efforts in this respect even in the next four decades, the 'development theory' does not hold water anymore!

I strongly object your observation that the movement for Telangana is 'orchestrated'. It applies to the 'agitation' which abruptly ended after the Chidambaram's statement on 23rd December. People from every walk of life in Telangana are for a separate State and expressed their desire through various forms in the current wave of movement that is sixty years old!

I am saddened to say that The Hindu's reflection on the subject is close to elitists' general opposition to questioning the 'status quo'. But the people of Telangana never accepted the unjust 'status quo' nor will they ever accept it in future. Forming a separate Telangana state is the only way out!


Not published!!

Subject: Chidambaram's 3rd statement

This is with reference to the reported 3rd statement of Union Home Minister Sri P.Chidambaram. Mr.Chidambaram in the statement announced that a Committee will be formed within a week to 'deliberate' on the Telangana issue. Though the decision of the Union government is welcome, the annoncement and the Committee that follows will be taken with a pinch of salt. Telangana has seen many Agreements, Formulas, Committees,Commissions and GOs that could do little to assuage their feeling of injustice. Even in the present instance, it was not made clear if the formation of the Committee is to clear the hurdles in the way of forming a new State or to ascertain if the demand for a new State is worth heeding to!



Not published!!

Subject: On Rahman winning Grammys

Sir,


This is my reaction on A.R.Rahman winning two Grammys at Los Angeles in 'Best Compilation Soundtrack for a Motion Picture' and 'Best Motion Picture Song' categories. After the 'Oscar win', this was only a logical next for him. Honestly, I feel there are many better songs than 'Jai Ho' composed by Rahaman. But the Background score for the movie definitely is one of his Bests. Music lovers internationally, will 'discover' what this 'Mozart of Madras' is really upto only when they go through some of his compositions for Hindi and Tamil movies.

As a 'believer', I really feel Rahman is the symbol of Indian secularism. He never forgets to acknowledge the Almighty and his Sufi 'Pirs' whenever he receives accolades for his music. In fact he showed, as many of successful Indians before him, what deep spirituality can bring out of a person. Sufism and Bhakti are two greatest assets this country has given to itself and the world. One should take this lesson from A.R. Rahman's uprecedented successes. May his tribe increase!!



 http://www.hindu.com/2010/02/03/stories/2010020354630803.htm - Published on 03/02/2010



Subject:  Mumbai for All

Sir,


This is in response to Siddharth Varadarajan's article 'Can the idea of India pass the Thackeray test?' and the discussion that's going on in the country. The message can't be more clear. It's time for the Indian Government to stop being a spectator to the drama, that's been enacted for so long in Maharashtra, of whose script is so debilitating for the integrity and unity of the country. The 'pernicious' ideology must be tackled both politically and legally. In this respect, it's heartening to note that, at last, even if for political stakes in UP and Bihar, RSS and BJP joined Indian National Congress in challenging the designs of Shiva Sena and Mahrashtra Navnirman Sena(MNS). On the other hand, all the provisions of the law must be made use to safeguard the fundamental rights of citizens as espoused in the Constitution. The irony in this country is, these divisionist parties and individuals have a very good 'eye' for people's real botherations and devise solutions that are more dangerous than the problems themselves. The governments, media and civil society must highlight and address, whichever is applicable, the problems of the common man so as to stop these extremists exploiting their helplessness.
 
Not published.


 
Subject: Sri Krishna Committee on Telangana
 
Sir,


This is with reference to the Terms of Reference of Sri Krishna Committee as announced by the Union Home Ministry. Sir, People of Telangana expected that the Committee will be asked to examine the reservations, concerns, objections of the people of rest of the Andhra Pradesh in the event of formation of a separate state of Telangana.The unequivocal Decembar 9 statement of Mr.Chidambaram got diluted with a thoroughly ambiguous December 23 statement. With the Terms of Reference it is clear that the Centre once again conspiring to dissipate the movement by buying time.

Sir, Creating new states is the exclusive prerogative of the Centre. Article 3 of the constitution confers no role on the State government except for expressing it's views, which are, in any case, not binding on the Centre. If the Centre was sincere in carving out Telangana, it would have taken the views of the coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema people and assured them of justice. But the Union government once again buckled under pressure from the expert lobbyists from coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema! In the process, it had set a wrong precedent by asking the Committee to advise it on whether or not a separate State is to be created.

Not published.

Subject: Telangana issue
Sir,


This is with reference to the editorial 'The way forward on Telangana'. On the face of it, the Terms of Reference of Sri Krishna Committee look absolutely fine to those who are oblivious of 53 years of Telangana's travails in united Andhra Pradesh. Every effort of Telangana in getting what is rightfully theirs and what was promised was opposed and obstructed by the people of coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema. People's desire to stay as a separate State was not respected when Telangana merged with rest of Andhra. Even the first SRC cautioned the goverment of any such hasty merger. But Andhra lobbyists had it go their way. The All Party Accord of January 19, 1969 identified 25,000 appointments violating Gentlemen's Agreement, and ordered repatriation. Not only the repatriation, even the validity of Mulki Rules - which reserved government jobs in Telangana for the locals - were questioned. Supreme Court in 1972 held the Rules to be constitutionally valid after a prolonged legal battle. The Andhras rose again! With 'Jai Andhra' agitation they forced the Union government annul the Mulki Rules and Telangana Regional Committee by amending the Constitution.

The latest Terms of Reference is just another instance of Andhra bullying Telangana with their majority. By asking the Committee to examine the case for united Andhra Pradesh, Telangana issue was taken to pre-TRS days. The movement made every political party of  significance helpless but to change its stand for a Telangana State. Pranab Mukherjee sub-Committee was formed in November 2004 to go into the issue and to build consensus.The Committee proved to be a damp squib and, at hindsight, was part of UPA's great drama of buying time. After the December 9 statement and subsequent reaffirmation in both the Houses of Parliament, the appropriate course of action would have been appointing a departmental Committee to allay the legitimate fears of people of coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema. But the Centre once again succumbed to lobbying of leaders of coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema.

The fifth point in ToRs, which asks the Committee to seek 'a range of solutions' and identify the optimal solutions, clearly indicates which way the Committee is heading to! The Committee will be another item in the long list of 'instruments' - democratic, legal and political - to trample the genuine aspirations of Telangana. You can't select Sachin Tendulkar to Indian foot ball team and expect him to win the match for you! Telangana issue reached a point of no return! Hope better sense prevails on the Centre.

http://www.hindu.com/2010/02/18/stories/2010021858601500.htm


Subject: Sachin meets Saraswat

Sir,


This is with reference to the article 'Sachin meets Saraswathi' published in 'The Hindu' on 6th April, 2010. It is no secret that Sachin Tendulkar is the most followed sportsperson in India, if not the world! But the admiration of Ms. Saraswathi Vaidyanthan for Sachin definitely stands out. Over a period of 20 years Sachin ougrew the sport which brought him the fame. He's not merely a winner of matches but also a winner of hearts. Whereever he goes, he brings with him that simplicity, which is almost indefeatable as his blade before the stumps. People like me, in millions, lived life in all its possible manifestations as we watched Sachin play - ecstacy to embarrassment, rejoice to renunciation and every feeling in between. Now we reached that state of equanimity and a win or loss does not really bother us! We just watch Sachin play. We take anything that comes from his bat. After all, we love life howsoever painful it is at times!

Not published.


Subject: APPSC Group - I controversy

Sir,


The raging controversy surrounding the APPSC Group I Preliminary Examination could have been easily avoided, had the Government of Andhra Pradesh acted swiftly and with purpose. However they let the problem take an ugly shape. Add to it, APPSC is stubbornly going ahead with its plan to conduct the exam on 5th September resulting in total chaos in the minds of aspirants not to speak of the potential break down of law and order situation in the State.

With the APPSC stands exposed with information obtained through RTI it lost its credibility in the eyes of asptirants from Telangana. On the otherhand, there is no way the State government can give 42% reservation to Telangana, except through a constitutional amendment at the Centre. Therefore, the appropriate action would be to take the help of UPSC. This should satisfy the demands of both Telangana and rest of AP. This provision is there in the Constitution under Article 315(4) which reads -- The Public Service Commission for the Union, if requested so to do by the Governor of a State, may,with the approval of the President, agree to serve all or any of the needs of the State.
 
Not published.

Subject: Ayodhya judgement

Sir,


This is with reference to the Allahabad High Court's judgment on the protracted dispute over the title of a piece of land in Ayodhya and 'The Hindu's coverage in today's newspaper. The editorial and the 'News Analysis' of Siddharth Varadarajan made an interesting reading. While Mr. Siddharth and other eminent lawyers, historians and archaeologists cautioned over the consequences of the 'overreach' of the judiciary in pronouncing a judgment on a vexatious issue based on 'faith' and 'belief', others saw it as an 'outreach' to put an end to bloody past. However, even if one accepts this 'Panchayati' justice, its implementation seems highly unlikely to me given the initial response from the sangh parivar and some Muslim leaders. While welcoming the judgment many of parivar's outspoken personalities displayed veiled restraint. But the underlying jubilation is hard to miss. The talk of 'Bhavya Mandir' is conspicuously silent on the question of a prospective mosque in the 1/3rd land the Muslims are now entitled to. This was a clear euphemism to outright majoritarianism when one of them advised Muslims to pave the way for a national integration by showing their 'magnanimity' and 'broadmindedness' by relinquishing claim over the land it got. On the otherhand, some of the Muslims chose to call it a 'surrender' if they accept to share the disputed land with the Hindus.

Under the circumstances, leaving the matter to the Apex court is the only left over option. This gives a chance to correct the overreach of the High Court and the interregnum can definitley utilised to outreach the aggrieved parties. If a reconciliation could not be achieved outside the court, at least the delay will have subsided the steam around this contentious issue. The exemplary response of the general public to the judgment is a case in point.

Not published.


Subject: India's sensational win at Mohali

Sir,


This is with reference to India's sensational win in the first of the two-Test series against Australia played at Mohali. Another Very Very Special innings from Laxman saw India through to a historic win which looked like an herculean task once Dhoni was run out. Ably aided by rookie Ishant Sharma, Laxman brought all his experience into play and showed to the world why he's feared so much by the best in the business - the Aussies. Though Laxman proved his mettle time and agian in winning matches from the jaws of defeat, he remained an underrated cricketer. But today, Indian cricket acknowledges the contribution of this wristy batsman more than it did before.

Also, this match showcases the true pleasure of watching an intensely fought Test cricket, where the fortunes of each team changing every session. Kudos to both the teams for the feast they treated millions of cricket fans to! I am reminded of Nirmal Shekar's comment in a column: "If Test cricket was decked up in an Armani three-piece suit and the 50-overs game was cricket in jeans and T-shirt, then T20 is the sport presented in its underwear."

Not published.
 
Subject: Telangana issue
 
Sir,


This is with reference to the Op-Ed article "One poeple, many aspirations" by S. Nagesh Kumar. The article tried, albeit vainly, to balance the contentions from both Telangana and Andhra regions. For the last 60 years, the aspirations of the people of Telangana have never been heeded or honoured by the union and State governments. Any just measure - political, executive or judicial - to the benefit of the region is either diluted, implemented in deviation or simply shelved through political machinations, deceptive administrative interpretations or through the use of brute force. Starting from the heroic peasant uprising against feudalism and autocratic Nizam rule, Telangana wanted a new lease of life through self-rule. This was confirmed when the first SRC in conclusion advised the Union government to constitute Telangana as a separate State at least for the next 6 years as the opinion of the people there was yet to crystallize in favour of Vishalandhra. Also, Burgula Ramakrishna Rao - considered by many as a proponent of Vishalandhra - wrote to U.N.Dhebar, the then President of INC, informing him of the mood of Telangana people against the merger. Despite, the merger took place. When people of Telangana demanded strict implementation of Safeguards guaranteed under Gentlemen's Agreement, they got a bombshell in the form of Six Point Formula. The Supreme Court verdict upholding the Mulki Rules was nullified by amending the constitution. SPF abolished Mulki Rules, Telangana Regional Committee - instruments that guaranteed equity. Even this lopsided formula was never implemented in its spirit. The Presidential Orders of 1975 and the subsequent G.O.No.610 failed to curtail the illegal usurping of jobs that rightfully belonged to Telangana by the Andhras. The highhandedness of Andhra bureacracy was revealed when they refused to cooperate with the Girglani Comission. Girglani's report too gathered dust as many before. And post December 9, 2009 Statement from the Government of India, Andhras are again at it. But people of Telangana are not ready to relent this time. Only a role reversal can solve this issue for ever. Statehood to Telanganites and Safeguards to Andhras.

Not published.


Subject: Srikrishna Committee report

Sir,


This is with reference to the article "What the Srikrishna Commitee says on Telangana" and the editorial "A sagacious prescription" published in your newspaper on 7th January, 2011. The Committee presented 6 options to the Government of India of which first 4 were considered "the least favoured", "not practicable", "not acceptable to all the regions" and "difficult to reach political consensus". Of the remaining 2 options, one advocated the creation of Telangana State with Hyderabad as its capital and the other favoured united Andhra Pradesh with constitutional / statutory safeguards to Telangana region. The sixth option - regarded by the Committee as the "best way forward" is riddled with many contradictions. It reads " The Committee is of the considered view that the momentum for a separate Telangana started picked up from the time the decisions incorporated in the Gentlemen's Agreement were not implemented. With the constitution of the proposed statutory council, these grievances would be taken care of." Telangana Regional Committee - with more or less the same mandate as the SKC-suggested Telangana Regional Council - was one of the safeguards espoused in the Gentlemen's Agreement. The Committee was constituted by the 7th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1956 and was repealed after the 'Jai Andhra' agitation through 32nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1973. For the 13 years it was in force, it was observed only in violation. The TRC annual reports stand testimony to this. So this option was also exhausted and the Committee's opinion that "firm political and administrative management" will be to the satisfaction of maximum number of people is only naive idealism. If the Committee, with extensive work for almost an year, ends up "reinventing the wheel" of Telangna Regional Council, one can safely conclude that bifurcation of the State is the only way forward. Statehood to Telangana and Safeguards to the Seemandhra will only solve the issue permanently.

Not published.

MY SLOGANS

OPTIONS BEFORE THE CENTRE

1. తెలంగాణ
تلنگانہ .2 
3. तेलंगाना
4. Telangana

Statehood to Telangana!
Safeguards to Seemandhra!!

రక్షణలు కాదు రాష్ట్రం కావాలి
ఘర్షణ కాదు శాంతి కావాలి

పారామిలిటరీ దళాలు కాదు
పార్లమెంటులో బిల్లు కావాలి