Centre checks T, Seema status

The Union home ministry has been consulting with state government officials regarding the backwardness prevailing in Rayalaseema and Telangana regions. The MHA has sought reports of backwardness and latest statistics regarding area of irrigated land, power generation, urbanisation and other aspects related to development of the two regions. With a decision on the Telangana statehood issue expected shortly, this is seen as significant.

Sources in the state home department said a meeting was held by Union home secretary R.K. Singh with the state’s chief secretary, Minnie Mathew, director-general of police, V. Dinesh Reddy, intelligence director-general, Mahender Reddy, principal secretary of power, M. Sahoo and principal secretary of irrigation Aditya Nath Das, at which the backwardness in the areas was discussed.

Sources said that at a meeting held by Union home secretary R.K. Singh with state government officials regarding the backwardness prevailing in Rayalaseema and Telangana regions, the Union home ministry asked some probing questions. “The MHA asked for details about the ongoing irrigation projects. The Centre is working on all the data,” sources said.

“They asked about the present status of left wing extremism in the state as well as the possible scenario in future,” said an official.

A top police officer said, “There are strong indications of the Centre giving serious thought to the state’s bifurcation. A meeting of top officials of the state police department will be held on Monday or Tuesday to discuss the deployment of cops.”