The unusual unity being displayed by all sections of the society in Tamil Nadu – politicians, sportspersons, film industry, business community and the common people – over the ban on their traditional bull taming festival Jallikattu, must be an eye-opener to the people of Andhra Pradesh.
While the entire Tamil Nadu is on the streets in protest against the ban on Jallikattu, the same spirit was lacking among the Telugu people in getting their just demand of special category status to Andhra Pradesh.
The protests in Tamil Nadu have shaken even Delhi so much so that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given utmost importance to the demand and is now said to be considering promulgating an ordinance to allow Jallikattu.
To some extent, the people of Telangana have displayed such a kind of unity during the movement for separate state. People from all walks of life including students, employees, workers and politicians hit the streets and took the Telangana movement to its peak, which finally forced the UPA government to grant separate statehood to Telangana.
Why have the people of Andhra not displayed the same spirit? During Samaikyandhra movement, every section was focussed on its own self-interest. There was no unity among the political leaders. Business groups had their own interests in Hyderabad and hence did not oppose Telangana. The agitation by students fizzled out soon after the Centre took a firm decision.
At least for the sake of special category status, the people of Andhra should have displayed unity and fighting spirit. Had they hit the streets as the people of Tamil Nadu are doing now, the Centre would have definitely come down. But political parties had looked for their own political mileage.
Even the Telugu film industry, which is now expressing solidarity with Tamil film industry, did not come forward to support special category status.
That is the difference between the two states!
For exciting updates on national affairs and up-to-date news click here on India Brains
