The Creation of Telangana: A Comparative Analysis Between NDA and UPA

In recent times, the creation of the state of Telangana has sparked a debate about the methods and motives of different political parties. While the NDA government successfully created three states - Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Himachal Pradesh - in the early 2000s, it was only during the UPA government's tenure that Telangana was carved out of the largest state in India, Andhra Pradesh. The outrage surrounding the creation of Telangana highlights significant differences in the approaches and justifications of the NDA and UPA governments during this period.

State Creation Under NDA

The NDA government, led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee and later Manmohan Singh, created three states during a four-year period between 2000 and 2004. While Telangana was a contentious issue, the other two states - Andhra Pradesh (split into Andhra and Telangana) and the creation of Karnataka - were not faced with comparable levels of opposition. The NDA's decision to create these states can be attributed to several factors.

Good Intentions and Advanced Planning

The NDA had promised the creation of new states in its election manifesto well in advance, making it a promise that was expected by supporters and advocacy groups. This allowed state governments to prepare for the division and adapt their administrative structures accordingly. The states realized that opposed to the idea would be futile, as the process was already in motion.

Fair Deal for State Creation

Moreover, the NDA government strove to achieve a fair deal by separating regions based on resource allocation and better administrative possibilities. These states have since seen improvements in governance and economic development. For example, the separate status of Telangana has allowed for more focused attention and resource allocation towards its specific needs and challenges, leading to developments that might have been neglected if it had remained part of a larger state like Andhra Pradesh.

State Creation Under UPA

Contrastingly, the UPA government, led by the Congress party, faced significant opposition when it decided to create Telangana in 2014. The decision to carve out Telangana from Andhra Pradesh came with a different set of circumstances and motivations. Here are some key differences:

Political Motive Over Good Intention

The UPA government's decision to create Telangana was primarily driven by political considerations rather than good intentions. The UPA government made a U-turn in their position in 2014, largely due to political gains in the forthcoming elections. This abrupt change in stance led to increased opposition and widespread outrage, as seen in the protests and demonstrations that followed.

Haste in the Decision Process

In comparison to the NDA's methodical approach, the UPA's decision was more hasty and reactive. The UPA took the decision to create Telangana barely six months before the general elections, which makes it clearly evident that it was a political move. In contrast, the NDA had already announced the creation of the states-four years in advance, giving ample time for adjustments and preparations.

Conclusion

While the creation of states is often fraught with challenges and opposition, the level of outrage surrounding the creation of Telangana under the UPA government was higher than that experienced during the NDA's tenure. This can be attributed to the UPA's political motives, the lack of advanced planning, and the haste with which the decision was made.

Nevertheless, the positive outcomes of state creation, such as improved governance and economic development, indicate that the cardinal goal should be to ensure that these divisions serve the people and enhance the welfare of the region. Whether driven by good intentions or political gains, the ultimate success of state carvings lies in their utility and the well-being of the people they serve.