Ours is a democratic nation. Everyone has the right to demand, and in case of disapproval, are free to express it. Rule of majority is an integral part of democracy. We usually think this is how democracy works, sadly, this isn’t the reality nowadays. Once people grant power to a political party, people’s opinion will hold no value for the next five years. Voters still feel they are not being heard. Lawmakers not paying attention to people’s voices and opinions is worse. In our country, the system isn’t one of democracy but a kind of tyranny that keeps changing every five years.
In Andhra Pradesh, the YS Jagan government has been in power since the 2019 election win. Jagan’s decisions apart from reverse tendering were radical, disruptive and a little controversial. The AP CM also ensured that he fulfilled some of the promises he had made in his manifesto. However, in the Amaravati capital issue, the YSRCP chief’s stand has been totally different. It is known that the YSRCP backed establishing Amaravati as AP’s capital when they were in the opposition. Even, Jagan built his residence-cum-office in Tadepalli, clearing everyone’s doubts.
Though, Jagan remained silent on the capital issue, speculations gained significance during elections that the capital would be moved out of Amaravati. On assuming power in the state post elections, YS Jagan immediately announced a three-capital plan for the state.
Three capital plans just namesake
The Jagan government has been saying that it is not shifting the capital from Amaravati, instead emphasised that the three-capital plan will spur growth via de-centralisation and development. However, people in the state know that the claims made by the government are just namesake. The Visakhapatnam Executive Capital is the only real plan that the YSRCP has in mind, and the other two capitals is just a hogwash. Jagan’s plan to shift the principal seat of AP High Court to Kurnool may not be easy without the approval of the chief justice. Overall, it is clear that the capital is being shifted completely to Vizag. It is hard to believe the three-capital plan for decentralisation and development.
Farmers in agony
It is the duty of the state government to dispel the fear of farmers protesting against shifting of Amaravati as AP’s capital. Farmers are in pain, worried about the lands they had given up as part of the land pooling scheme by the previous state government. They allege the YSRCP government is trying to destroy the capital formed with public consent and sacrifices of farmers. Despite all the protests held by the farmers, the state government has been moving forward with their plans, turning a deaf ear towards the Amaravati agitation.
It is very insulting, because the onus lies on the state government to hear what the farmers have to say regarding their protest. On the other hand, if the protest is wrong then it must be dealt firmly, however there has been no response till date by the YSRCP government on the issue. Initially, though attempts were made by the state government to threaten the farmers using police force, they are simply being ignored now. It is not at all a good sign for the government to turn a blind eye on the issue.
It is totally inappropriate
The AP Government repeatedly blaming the previous state government of resorting to benefit a particular community with Amaravati is totally inappropriate, and thereby a clear attempt is made to create a rift between communities. The issue of Amaravati as the capital of the AP is not just about a particular community, but for the benefit of all Telugu people.
It is high time that caste and creed politics come to an end and the issue of Amaravati not be linked to any particular community. Efforts are to be taken by the state government immediately to resolve the issue at the earliest and that the situation doesn’t deteriorate further. It also sets a dangerous precedent for the YSRCP government to ignore an agitation which has been going on for the past 300 days by farmers. Hence, omission, neglect is far worse than rejection.
