The reports about forming Rayala Telangana (RT) state by merging Ananthapur and Karnool districts into Telangana is the hottest news. Congress is said to be pushing this idea forward despite well aware of protests from both regions. Congress insistence for ‘RT’ might be part of its game plan to prolong the bifurcation issue.

One can’t say that Congress is unaware of the facts that ‘RT’ can’t become reality unless it has the consent and support of the local parties and the people. So, this proposal may be just a plan to buy some more time for it.

Further, its enthusiasm shown earlier for creating Telangana state might have died with the sudden emergence of Gorka Land demand. The Gorka leaders question the Center, when it can grant Telangana state, then why not Gorka Land? Currently, the Gorka Land leaders have called for a 72 hours bandh in Darjeeling area demanding separate state along with Telangana. This is also one reason that might evoke the Congress to put the bifurcation on hold.

Moreover, taking any decision on bifurcation leaves either group unhappy. So, Congress might be prefers to sustain blows from Telangana for which it is already habituated, instead of taking blows afresh from Seemandhra. So, viewing all these options, Congress might have grabbed this ‘RT’ idea, that is widely opposed by all the people of the state, which will give it enough time to prolong its decision on bifurcation.