Will UPA Govt deliver a Diwali gift?
Talk to people who matter in Delhi and everybody wants an early solution to the Telangana tangle. The question is: Who will bell the cat? For, everyone realises that unless a decision is taken fast, the political fortunes of the key player in the State and the Central Government – the Congress — may go for a toss.
Not to speak of the impact of the prolonged agitation on the business fortunes of thousands of companies already invested in the State as well as new proposals. According to reports quoting Commerce Ministry figures, fresh investment proposals in Andhra Pradesh fell from 53 in May 2011 to only 23 in July.
All eyes are now on the Manmohan Singh Government, especially as the Congress core committee meeting on Monday failed to reach any conclusion. Reports said that the party was neither united nor clear about its stance on the issue. This upset Congress MPs from Telengana, who had submitted their resignations to the Lok Sabha Speaker in July. They met her again this week, seeking her help to expedite the process of formation of a separate State or else accept their resignations.
The pressure is high this time. The power situation in the entire country is grave due to stoppage of coal supply from Singareni in Andhra Pradesh. With Diwali nearing, the salaries of striking employees of schools, colleges and offices have not yet been released. Temples, too, joined in the agitation by remaining closed during the auspicious occasion of Dussehra.
No wonder, the demand for a separate State of Telangana is finally finding some resonance in the corridors of power in Delhi. After all, the decision — a tough one, indeed — has been delayed for far too long.
So, will a cornered UPA Government deliver a Diwali gift to the people of Telangana or decide otherwise? The people of Andhra, Telangana and the country await that hour.