Telengana issue splits TDP

Telangana is spelling trouble for political parties in Andhra Pradesh.

After the drubbing TRS received in the recent bypolls in Telangana, the main opposition party, TDP, seems to be heading for trouble over the granting of separate statehood to the region.

A dominant section within the TDP is now demanding that the party stop dragging its feet on the contentious issue and take a clear stand on the issue of separate statehood for this backward region. Leading the group is none other than T. Devender Goud, considered No. 2 in the TDP and a former home minister. He has asked the party leadership to come out with its stand before the Assembly elections, scheduled for early 2009.

Goud’s statement has come as a rude shock as TDP top bosses were in a back patting mood after the bypolls. Party leaders, including N. Chandrababu Naidu, were hoping that the defeat of TRS and the victory of TDP in Telangana would silence the proponents of separate state and the party may not have to take a call on Telangana.

Officially, the TDP stands for samayika or united Andhra Pradesh. But under pressure from party men in Telangana, it appointed a panel in April to look into the matter. It’s first meeting is slated for June 18.