Tummala Urges Naidu to Return Five Villages to Telangana

Nalgonda: Agriculture minister Tummala Nageswara Rao has urged Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to consider the reunification of five villages adjoining Bhadrachalam town with Telangana, in line with the long-standing demand of the local people and their historical association with the region.

In a letter addressed to the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Tummala said that he wanted to draw attention to the demand of the people of Telangana for restoration of these villages, in view of the realignment of district boundaries and rationalization efforts being carried out by the Andhra Pradesh government.

“During the reorganization of erstwhile Andhra Pradesh in 2014, Bhadrachalam town was retained in Telangana, but five adjoining gram panchayats, Yatapaka, Kannaigudem, Pichukalapadu, Purushothapatnam and Gundala, were annexed to Andhra Pradesh. These settlements are geographically positioned like an enclave bordered by Telangana on two sides. On the other hand, the Godavari River and reserve forests create administrative challenges for both the states,” he wrote. minister

He noted that in the past decade, residents, especially from tribal communities, have repeatedly represented their demands through memorandums, peaceful protests and public forums, calling for the return of these villages to Telangana. Their appeal is based on administrative convenience, historical connection with Bhadrachalam, socio-cultural proximity and easier access to government services, he said.

While the famous Sri Seetha Ramachandra Swamy Temple in Bhadrachalam is located in Telangana, many associated temple lands are now located in Purushothapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, Tummala said. He said tribal residents constantly face interstate controls and logistical challenges in accessing education, healthcare and livelihood support. The division also created difficulties in law and order coordination in the belt affected by Left Extremism due to its divided jurisdiction.

He added that connectivity between tribal mandals in Telangana and Bhadrachalam town remains fragmented and public opinion in the region continues to strongly support realignment.

Tummala asked Prime Minister Naidu to consider with understanding the long-standing aspirations of the people of Bhadrachalam and take steps to return the five villages to Telangana.