This is what the Union government has to offer to the people of Telangana: We will ensure Hyderabad is no longer a free zone -- meaning no jobs for outsiders. As talks between the Union government and the Telangana members of legislative assembly and members of Parliament continue, the deadlock continues as well.
Nearly 80 MLAs both from the Congress and the Telegu Desam Party have resigned, bringing both the Union and the Andhra Pradesh government under tremendous pressure.
The Centre's discussion with the MLAs and MPs commenced with the former offering a special package for Telangana. Then they said that they would start discussions on the issue.
When none of these worked, the government assured that they would ensure that Telangana is not a free zone. This means no person from Andhra and Rayalseema can get government jobs in Hyderabad and these jobs would be reserved only for the people of Telangana.
However, the leaders remained adamant and made it clear all these issues are secondary. "On December 9, Home Minister P Chidambaram had promised us that the process for the formation of Telangana would commence. Act on that statement and begin the process if you want us to take back our resignation," said an lawmaker.
The leaders also stepped up the heat on Union Petroleum Minister Jaipal Reddy who is also from Telangana, but has not resigned as yet. Reddy has been brokering the talks between the Telangana leaders and the government as of now. The leaders told him to first step down and then talk.
Meanwhile a series of programmes have been planned in Hyderabad and the rest of Telangana. A 48 -bandh would be followed by a rail roko programme.
Political Joint Action Committee leader for Telangana, Kodanda Ram said that the people have been protesting, and the politicians watching. "Today onwards it will be the other way round," he said.
For now, it appears as though the issue would continue to dangle. The Congress MLAs came under immense pressure after the TDP MLAs resigned. They will not be able to reverse their decision now, unless the government offers something concrete.
And by concrete, the leaders mean formation of Telangana.
