News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/2nd June 2024
Hyderabad, one of India’s most dynamic metropolitan cities, officially ceased to be the joint capital of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh on Sunday, marking a significant transition in accordance with the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act, 2014. From June 2, Hyderabad will serve exclusively as the capital of Telangana, ending its decade-long role as the shared capital following the bifurcation of undivided Andhra Pradesh.
The city was designated as the capital of both states for a ten-year period starting from June 2, 2014, the day Telangana was officially formed. The AP Reorganisation Act stipulated, “On and from the appointed day (June 2), Hyderabad in the existing State of Andhra Pradesh, shall be the common capital of the State of Telangana and the State of Andhra Pradesh for such period not exceeding ten years.” The Act further specified that after this period, Hyderabad would be the capital of Telangana alone, with Andhra Pradesh required to establish a new capital.
The formation of Telangana fulfilled a decades-long demand for statehood, which was realized on June 2, 2014, following the passage of the AP Reorganisation Bill in Parliament in February 2014. Despite the passage of ten years since the bifurcation, several issues, such as the division of assets and resources between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, remain unresolved. The Telangana government had aimed to address these bifurcation-related issues at a cabinet meeting. However, the meeting did not occur as the Election Commission allegedly did not grant permission due to the model code of conduct for the Lok Sabha polls.
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, in preparation for the transition, instructed officials last month to take control of buildings, such as the Lake View government guest house in Hyderabad, which had been allocated to Andhra Pradesh for the ten-year period. This directive underscores the readiness of Telangana to fully embrace Hyderabad as its sole capital, reflecting a significant administrative shift.
The completion of this transitional period symbolizes a new chapter for both states. Hyderabad, a hub of technology, education, and culture, will now solely represent Telangana, fostering further development and growth within the state. Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh continues its efforts to develop Amaravati as its new capital, although the process has faced numerous challenges and delays.
This shift also highlights the enduring complexities of state bifurcations in India, where the division of assets, water resources, and administrative responsibilities often leads to prolonged negotiations and disputes. The unresolved issues between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh serve as a reminder of these challenges, necessitating ongoing dialogue and cooperation between the states to reach amicable solutions.
As Hyderabad transitions to its new role, it remains a city of significant importance on the national stage, continuing to attract investment and talent from across the country and the world. Its future as the exclusive capital of Telangana promises a period of focused growth and development, benefiting from a decade of shared governance and the lessons learned therein.
In conclusion, the end of Hyderabad’s tenure as a joint capital marks a significant milestone in the history of both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. It is a testament to the evolving political and administrative landscape of India, reflecting the country’s dynamic nature and the ongoing quest for efficient and effective governance. The coming years will be critical for both states as they navigate their paths forward, building on the foundations laid over the past decade.
