Revanth, Naidu Meeting Aims to Resolve Decade-Old Disputes

Historical Context: The bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh in 2014 led to the creation of the new state of Telangana. This division, formalized by the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, resulted in numerous unresolved issues between the two states, including the division of assets, water resources, and administrative responsibilities. The upcoming meeting between Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu aims to address these long-standing disputes.

Key Issues to be Discussed:

1. Restoration of Khammam Mandals:

   • Telangana seeks the return of seven mandals in Khammam district that were merged with Andhra Pradesh just before the bifurcation on June 2, 2014.

2. Coastal Access for Telangana:

   • As a landlocked state, Telangana is expected to request a share in Andhra Pradesh’s 1,000-km coastline, including access to the Krishnapatnam, Machilipatnam, and Gangavaram ports.

3. Role in Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD):

   • Telangana desires a role in the administration of the TTD, given the cultural and religious significance of the Tirupati Venkateswara Temple to the Telugu people.

4. Krishna River Water Allocation:

   • Telangana will likely demand a proportional share of Krishna River water, amounting to 558 TMC, based on the catchment area.

5. Settlement of Power Dues:

   • Telangana is expected to insist that Andhra Pradesh power companies pay Rs. 24,000 crore in dues to Telangana power companies. Telangana has also promised to settle any dues it owes to Andhra Pradesh, which are claimed to be Rs. 7,000 crore.

Background of Previous Meetings: The last meeting between the Chief Ministers of the two states occurred in January 2020, involving previous Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao and previous Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy. Despite numerous discussions, major bifurcation issues have remained unresolved due to political confrontations.

Recent Developments: Since taking office in December 2023, Revanth Reddy has prioritized resolving bifurcation-related issues. Notable achievements include the resolution of the AP Bhavan dispute in Delhi and the disbursement of funds related to the Mining Corporation. Approximately 30 meetings have been held between officials from both states to address various disputes.

Union Home Ministry’s Role: The Sheela Bhide Committee, established by the Union Home Ministry, oversees the distribution of assets, liabilities, and cash balances of 91 companies listed in Schedule 9 of the AP Reorganisation Act. While 68 companies have no objections to the distribution, consensus is yet to be reached on the remaining 23 institutions. Similarly, disputes persist over the distribution of 30 out of 142 institutions listed in Schedule 10, including the Telugu Academy, Telugu University, and Ambedkar Open University.

Summary in Bullet Points:

• Historical Context: Bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh in 2014 led to unresolved issues between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
• Restoration of Khammam Mandals: Telangana seeks the return of seven mandals merged with Andhra Pradesh.
• Coastal Access: Telangana requests a share in Andhra Pradesh’s 1,000-km coastline and access to key ports.
• Role in TTD: Telangana desires a role in the administration of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams.
• Krishna River Water Allocation: Telangana demands 558 TMC of Krishna River water based on the catchment area.
• Settlement of Power Dues: Telangana insists on the payment of Rs. 24,000 crore dues by Andhra Pradesh power companies.
• Previous Meetings: Last meeting in January 2020; major issues remain unresolved due to political confrontations.
• Recent Developments: Revanth Reddy has prioritized resolving bifurcation issues since December 2023.
• Union Home Ministry’s Role: Sheela Bhide Committee oversees the distribution of assets and liabilities of companies listed in Schedule 9 and Schedule 10 of the AP Reorganisation Act.