http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/TNN0d-dalittimAndhra-dalits-not-against-bifurcation/articleshow/7643217.cms
Andhra dalits not against bifurcation, reveals survey
M N Samdani, TNN | Mar 7, 2011, 04.13am IST
GUNTUR/ONGOLE: In a development that could puncture the arguments of
powerful political parties lobbying for Samaikhyandhra, a survey
conducted by dalit scholars of Andhra region has revealed that people,
particularly from dalit colonies in the region, are not against
bifurcation of the state.
The survey was conducted by Dalita Bahujana Front (DBF), an
organization that voices the concerns of dalits and downtrodden
classes at the United Nations (UN) with the help of research scholars
from various universities in the Andhra region. "Surprisingly, people
contradicted the arguments placed before Srikrishna Committee and said
that they were `tutored' by the local officials to speak in favour of
united Andhra before the Srikrishna Committee," explained DBF state
president Korivi Vinaya Kumar.
Stating that more than 95 per cent of dalits, minorities and people
from weaker sections favour bifurcation of the state keeping in view
the current political uncertainty, he said dalits were hopeful of
getting better work in the divided state. "More construction works
would be taken up in the region in order to build the new capital and
its offices," he said.
Melam Bhagya Rao, the chief coordinator of the survey, said the survey
was conducted in 1,100 dalit colonies in more than 70 assembly
segments in Andhra region and gathered the opinions from men, women,
youth and aged people. "Interestingly, they are finding fault even
with the adamant argument of their public representatives to keep the
state united without taking their consent," he said.
The officials arranged meetings with the Srikrishna Committee at the
behest of landlord communities to reflect their concerns, alleged a
dalit, Jaladai Anjaiah of Karamchedu in Prakasam district. Tribals
from thandas in Yerragondapalem constituency said that they were not
bothered about bifurcation or a united state as long as they were
provided employment round the year.
Bhagya Rao told TOI that they were forwarding the report to the Centre
as any delay in bifurcation of the state would not only hurt
developmental projects but also make lakhs of people from weaker
sections go without work. "The bifurcation will solve major
complications, including SC categorisation, unemployment and
power-sharing to Dalits," said a university professor.
Several Congress and TDP legislators on condition of anonymity agreed
that people at the grassroots level were not opposing the separation
of the state.
Strangely, the voices that raised bifurcation of the state in the
early days of Telangana movement like Vasantha Nageswara Rao,
Yalamanchili Sivaji, Chegondi Harirama Jogaiah and Rajahmundry MP
Harsha Kumar, have suddenly gone silent at a time when the T-agitation
has crippled administration in the state.
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