As the ten-year mark since the Andhra Pradesh-Telangana state bifurcation approaches, a major question looms: what will happen to Hyderabad? According to the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, Hyderabad was to remain the joint capital for ten years, a deadline that ends on June 2, 2024. From this date, Hyderabad will officially be the capital of Telangana alone. However, many promises made during the bifurcation, especially concerning asset distribution, remain unfulfilled, leading to fresh debates between the two states.
AP Leaders Demand Extension
With Telangana CM Revanth Reddy prioritizing the resolution of pending issues between the Telugu states, some leaders from Andhra Pradesh are pushing for Hyderabad to continue as the joint capital. V.V. Lakshminarayana, a former IPS officer and founder of Bharat National Party, urged the central government to intervene and extend the joint capital status until the Andhra Pradesh government finalizes new arrangements. He has also requested other political parties in AP to appeal to President Droupadi Murmu for this extension. Recently, AP Congress Vice President Kolanukonda Shivaji demanded that Hyderabad remain a joint capital until 2034.
CM Revanth’s Firm Stance
In response, Telangana CM Revanth Reddy has issued directives to reclaim all buildings in Telangana currently under AP’s control. He has also ordered a comprehensive report on the distribution of assets still pending between the two states. As calls for extending the joint capital status grow louder from AP leaders, the central government’s decision is eagerly awaited.
