Vizianagaram: Andhra Pradesh has been split into two following the Union Cabinet decision to divide the state and create Telangana. The Seemandhra region has seen violent protest for the last few days, curfew has been imposed in Vizianagaram but its impact can be felt in the neighbouring districts too. Prices of essential commodities are sky high and there has been a blackout in various parts of Andhra Pradesh as electricity distribution and supply companies employees are on an indefinite strike.
The situation worsened as employees of the power sector in coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema regions of Andhra Pradesh said they will continue with their indefinite strike after talks with the government to end the stalemate failed on Wednesday.
Even though the situation in the state remains tense, the Congress made it clear that there won't be a rethink on the decision taken by the Cabinet.Congress General Secretary Digvijaya Singh said, "The decision has been taken after a detailed discussion with all the stake holders including all political parties. It is not a hasty decision. The Centre will try its best to create Telangana before the coming general elections and the Andhra Pradesh Assembly polls."
Nearly 30,000 employees of AP Power Generation Corporation, AP Power Transmission Corporation, AP Southern Power Distribution Company and AP Eastern Power Distribution Company have not reported for work to protest against the Centre's decision. Another, 20,000 contract workers have joined the strike throwing the entire power generation and distribution system in 13 Seemaandhra districts out of gear for the past two days.
Talks between Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy and leaders of the striking employees on Wednesday failed to reach a solution, as employees refused to call off the strike till a clear assurance was offered that the state would not be divided. While Reddy said the Telangana Bill would be defeated in the Assembly, employees insisted on an assurance from the Centre and all political parties that the state would stay united.
With a prolonged spell of no electricity, worst-hit were the medical services, with many government and private hospitals putting off surgeries. Doctors at government hospitals joined the strike, adding to the woes of patients.
Industrial production came to a standstill in factories situated in Seemandhra, while airports at Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada were running on back-up power. Movement of trains was also affected.
About 4,000 MW generation has come to a halt, as employees at all major thermal and hydel power plants struck work.
The sprawling region with a population of over 5 crore people saw work at government offices and educational institutions grind to a halt. Buses of the state-owned road transport corporation have been off the roads for nearly two months.
The protestors include government employees, teachers and students. There were rallies, human chains, hunger strikes and sit-ins to demand that the Centre keep the state united.
Curfew in violence-hit Vizianagaram town in north coastal Andhra was relaxed for two hours Wednesday morning. With the improvement in the situation, the authorities decided to relax curfew for four hours on Thursday.
Meanwhile, YSR Congress Chief Jagan Reddy's hunger strike entered the fifth day. His mother and the party's honourary president Vijayamma called on President Pranab Mukherjee and urged him to keep Andhra Pradesh united. TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu is also continuing his fast in the national capital.
(With additional inputs from IANS)
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