The meeting between the Chief Ministers of the two Telugu states in Hyderabad on June 6 has raised hopes for the people in Khammam district. They are hopeful for the restoration of five panchayats that were merged with Andhra Pradesh during the bifurcation. Residents from these panchayats submitted a memorandum to Bhadrachalam MLA Tellam Venkat Rao to support their cause.
One senior citizen in Bhadrachalam, T V Ramana, expressed hope that the dream of re-merging the five panchayats back into Telangana would soon become a reality. These panchayats, namely Purushothapatnam, Yetapaka, Kannayagudem, Gundala, and Pichukulapadu, were merged with Andhra Pradesh against the wishes of the people. This has caused issues such as lacking a dumping place in Bhadrachalam and encroachment on Lord Rama temple lands in Purushothapatnam.
Despite numerous appeals made over the past decade to various authorities, including the President, Prime Minister, Governors, Union Ministers, and CMs, the issues of these five panchayats remain unresolved. However, with the Congress party mentioning the issue in its manifesto and the TDP also showing support for resolution, the upcoming meeting of the CMs is bringing hope to the residents.
Residents have highlighted challenges such as difficulties in traveling on poorly developed roads through these panchayats to reach Dummagudem mandal in Telangana. They have emphasized the need for government attention in developing infrastructure and addressing grievances effectively. The lack of development by the AP government in these panchayats has further exacerbated the situation for residents.
Bhadrachalam MLA Tellam Venkat Rao has assured residents that he will convey their concerns to the CM and request for the issue to be raised with the AP CM. The residents are looking forward to a positive outcome from the meeting between the two Chief Ministers to address their longstanding issues.
