At a time when the people of Andhra Pradesh are still struggling to overcome the impact of bifurcation of the combined state, media houses seem to be fanning the flames of further regionalism in the already divided state.
It is a fact that the Chandrababu Naidu government is focussing its attention on only cash-rich coastal Andhra, ignoring perennially drought-hit Rayalaseema, but it does mean separating Rayalaseema is no solution for its development.
And, media has to play a responsible role in bringing pressure on the government to turn its attention to the development of Rayalaseema, rather than promoting separatism.
A Telugu channel on Saturday conducted a live debate at Kurnool on the demand for separate Rayalaseema state.
It invited leaders of various political parties, student organisations and other voluntary organisations to discuss the issue.
Many speakers like Rayalaseema Intellectual Forum member Arun Reddy spoke about the neglect of Rayalaseema by successive governments.
He argued that four Rayalaseema districts were bigger than 14 states in the country and hence deserved a separate state.
CPM, CPI, Jana Sena, YSR Congress, Congress, BC, SC and ST students organisation leaders also participated at the debate and spoke on various issues.
Though the purpose of the debate could be discussing the backwardness of Rayalaseema, it led to the demand for separation of Rayalaseema state, if the government cannot do justice to the region.
