Undavalli Arun Kumar Rajahmundry Message and Analysis

Undavalli Arun Kumar is politician of intellect and logic. At first, a brief reading of his political standing and acumen is necessary to gain insight and then, understand the logical basis for his Rajahmundry rally. Largely uncontroversial, perhaps little known until Margadarsi episode Arun Kumar public profile had a meteoric raise soon after this head on with Ramoji Rao. It was a well known fact, YS Rajasekhar Reddy personal animosity with media baron was genesis for Arun Kumar's allegations. Being a close associate of YSR and a lawyer by profession, Arun Kumar by and large did a splendid job damaging the reputation of Godly Ramoji Rao. However, his prescience and oratory skills together have raised his reputation in Delhi. He became on of the key "advisors" to high command. At the same time, unlike many other vocal and public attention seeking politicians, he remained largely a back room operator keeping his political network intact.

Against this background, his recent rally and the speech [for Unified Andhra Pradesh] at his home constituency Rajahmundry is already creating  waves in the state.  Leaving aside the emotional and illogical outbursts, noise and clutter it is clear that Arun Kumar is clearly giving a message either for the United Andhra Pradesh or for the bifurcation of the state.  As it happened in the case of Margadarsi episode, there is no personal or political gain for Undavalli by becoming a center of attention. Also, the Seema Andhra group is lead by the powerful Lagadapati Rajgopal, Rayapati Sambasiva Rao or Kavuri Sambasiva Rao (until his recent exit from the scene). There is a general feel KVP Ramachandra Rao could be the mastermind behind this event and speech there of. However Arun Kumar, a life time Congress loyalist and sort of a blue eyed boy of Congress high command would not take a risk of making both logical and emotional statements without the blessings of Congress High Command. To put it simple - at this juncture, the Congress high command would not like accrual of further complications from some one like Vundavalli Arun Kumar.

In a nutshell, Rajahmundry Member of Parliament is conveying high command message. Analyzing his speech, it is obvious that there are two key issues on the table to be resolved. First, what to do with the Hyderabad?  In his speech and subsequently, despite saying "Jai Telengana", he is making a strong case that - never in the history of independent India - state Capital region was included in request for separation. Madras, Bombay, Patna, Bhopal remained with the original unified state while rest of the state was separated into Andhra, Gujarat, Jarkhand or Chattisgarh. Does it mean - Telengana without Hyderabad is a possibility with out further bloodbath?

Second, and more importantly - who should take the credit for creating a Telengana state? As long as TRS remains a separate political entity, the credit would go to Telengana Rastra Samithi and K Chandra Sekhar Rao & his family (son K T Rama Rao, daughter K Kavitha and nephew Harish Rao). This is a risk Congress does not want to take. At his best, KCR is least trustworthy partner and his maverick decisions and outbursts or on par with Mamata Benerjee . Hence, Undavalli cleverly explained TDP and Chandra Babu Naidu case in the context and explained why Naidu was not adored by TRS despite his revised positive stand to create Telengana. As long as Congress is in power, the credit for any success and political benefit must go to Gandhi's. As of now, it is not possible. Hence, Arun Kumar is repeatedly stated that it is TRS which does not want Telengana for political gains in 2014. It means, only on prior [unconditional] merger of TRS, Congress would make a positive announcement.

Finally, he lead to the key point to have a logical and meaningful discussions between the leaders of both regions [setting aside emotions and sentiments].  This means, protecting the interests of Andhra and Rayalaseema region and their people in Telengana.

Unless all these these three points are agreed in principle by TRS and Congress leaders in Telengana, Congress High Command is not in a position to take a final decision.

This time, they could not find any better politician than Vundavalli Arun Kumar who is good at explaining subtle issues.  Job done, but will it yield results?