The State Reorganization Commission (SRC) played a crucial role in determining the fate of Telangana and its possible merger with Andhra to form Vishalandhra. Various political leaders expressed divergent views, reflecting regional aspirations, economic concerns, and political calculations.
Support for a Separate Telangana State
K.V. Ranga Reddy (Hyderabad State Minister)
K.V. Ranga Reddy strongly advocated for a separate Telangana, emphasizing economic self-sufficiency and the need to protect regional welfare programs. He argued that merging Telangana with Andhra could jeopardize the developmental priorities of the region, particularly in education, employment, and irrigation projects.
J.V. Narsing Rao (Hyderabad PCC President)
J.V. Narsing Rao respected the majority opinion in Telangana, which favored remaining separate from Andhra. He urged the SRC to make an impartial recommendation that would align with the aspirations of Telangana’s people.
Dr. Marri Chenna Reddy (Agriculture Minister, Hyderabad State)
Dr. Marri Chenna Reddy opposed the merger, stating that having two separate Telugu-speaking states was in the best interest of public administration. He believed that regional identity and governance efficiency should take precedence over linguistic unity.
Shahabuddin Ahmad Khan (Hyderabad Mayor)
Shahabuddin Ahmad Khan firmly opposed Vishalandhra, arguing that the widespread opposition from Telangana’s people made the formation of a unified Andhra Pradesh impractical and politically unfeasible.
Support for Vishalandhra (United Andhra Pradesh)
Bezawada Gopal Reddy (Chief Minister of Andhra State)
Bezawada Gopal Reddy urged patience among the people of Andhra, encouraging them to accept the SRC’s recommendations despite the delay in forming Vishalandhra. He demonstrated a willingness to compromise, recognizing the complexities involved in the process.
Ayyadevara Kaleshwara Rao (President, Vishalandhra Mahasabha)
Ayyadevara Kaleshwara Rao criticized the SRC’s reluctance to immediately merge Andhra and Telangana. He pointed out that many Telangana leaders had previously committed to supporting Vishalandhra, and he viewed the delay as an unnecessary obstacle to linguistic unification.
Paga Pulla Reddy (Secretary, Vishalandhra Mahasabha)
Paga Pulla Reddy opposed any delay in forming Vishalandhra, advocating for strong resolutions from the legislative assemblies to expedite the merger. He believed that political hesitation should not prevent the realization of a unified Telugu-speaking state.
Tenne Vishwanadham (Andhra Leader)
Tenne Vishwanadham acknowledged that the SRC’s arguments seemed to favor Vishalandhra, yet its final verdict supported a separate Telangana, indicating an apparent contradiction between analysis and conclusion. He emphasized that a united Andhra Pradesh was the logical step forward.