RPC Demands Chennai Merger With Andhra Pradesh

USPA NEWS - At the weekend meeting of the Rashtriya Praja Congress (RPC) in Rajahmundry on Sunday, party Founding President Meda Srinivas urged the Central and State governments to consider merging Telugu-speaking regions of Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, with Andhra Pradesh, citing historical links and the sacrifices made during the state reorganization movement.

SACRIFICES OF LEADERS AND BETRAYAL IN REORGANIZATION

Highlighting the sacrifices of Potti Sriramulu and Tanguturi Prakasam Pantulu, Srinivas alleged that political conspiracies during the state’s division betrayed Andhras by excluding Telugu-speaking regions in Tamil Nadu. He argued that Andhra Pradesh continues to suffer from such political neglect and betrayal.

Historical Background And Concerns

Srinivas recalled that Chennapatnam (present-day Chennai) once served as the capital of the Madras Presidency and was developed significantly by the Telugu people. He argued that Andhra leaders and communities were displaced from both Madras and Kurnool during the 1956 reorganization, leaving Andhra Pradesh without a permanent capital even today.

Call For Government Action

The RPC leader demanded that the Union government introduce a bill in Parliament to merge Telugu-dominated areas of Tamil Nadu with Andhra Pradesh. He claimed such a step would correct what he described as a “historic injustice” and restore self-respect to Andhra people.

References To Sacrifices

Highlighting the sacrifices of leaders like Potti Sriramulu and Tanguturi Prakasam Pantulu, Srinivas emphasized that the demand was not merely political but tied to the heritage and cultural identity of Andhras. He added that Andhra roots, temples, and traditions remain evident in parts of Chennai and Tamil Nadu.

Warning Against Neglect

Srinivas cautioned that ignoring this demand could lead to growing resentment in Andhra Pradesh. He stressed that the state continues to face challenges due to what he called repeated “political conspiracies” during and after the reorganization of Andhra State.

Participation At The Meeting

The meeting, presided over by RPC senior leader Pendyala Kamaraju, was attended by Sarvasree Simma Durga Rao, DVR Murthy, MD Hussain, Dudde Trinad, Gudla Sai Durga Prasad, Basa Sonia, Valli Srinivasa Rao, Dudde Suresh, Vardhanapu Sarath Kumar, Vadapalli Jyotish, Kakara Prasad, Sunkara Venkata Bhaskara Ranga Rao, Challa Sambasiva Rao, and others.