Andhra or Telangana, citizens need not panic

In fact, India has got 28 States and 7 Union Territories and about 780 Languages are spoken across the Country which shows the diversity of our country. Be that as it may, not only the rights and responsibilities of every Citizen of India are well defined in the Constitution, but also the citizens are also given a privilege to reside in any part of Country with due honour and respect. No doubt, as per Article 3 of the Constitution of India, Parliament may by law create a new state. However, that does not mean, the rights of citizens will get affected upon bifurcation. All persons will continue to be called as citizens of India.

Let’s see, what is the protection or rights guaranteed to the citizens under the Constitution.

A reading of Article 14 to 16 shows that the State shall not cause any discrimination among the citizens especially on the ground of religion, race, caste or place of birth in respect of public employment, education or any other matter. In other words, the State has to apply the principles of equality before law, to all its citizens irrespective of their place of birth, religion, caste, etc.

Apart from Article 14 to 16, the citizens are also provided with the Fundamental Rights under the Constitution. As per Article 19 (1) even after bifurcation of State, people residing in Andhra or Rayalaseema can travel, reside, settle or practice any profession or carry out any trade or business or do any occupation even in Telangana Area/Hyderabad or anywhere in India as part of their Constitutional and Fundamental right. Likewise, it is open to the Telangana people to reside, settle or do any business in Andhra area or anywhere in India. Hence no state or any political leader has got a right or authority in asking a part of people to leave to the other part of State after bifurcation. In other words, the demand will be illegal and unconstitutional.

Already, it is a known fact, that many persons irrespective of their religion, language and traditions from all over India are successfully residing, purchasing properties and doing various businesses and avocations of their choice in our State, since ages, without any obstacles or problems. Therefore, being the proud Citizens of this Country, no one should feel insecure or scared about their lives or properties, as it is the bounden and Constitutional duty of the State to protect them especially under Article 19 and 21 of Constitution of India.

That apart, till now people in Andhra Pradesh have stayed together peacefully not only as Telugus but also as Indians and even after bifurcation everyone should remain together in harmony as law-abiding citizens of this country. Hence, those who have got their properties in Andhra or Telangana Area/Hyderabad and are already settled in their businesses from ages need not feel insecure about them.

In fact, they should continue to stay as before in view of the protection guaranteed under the Constitution, but not on the mercy of any political leader or party. Needless to mention, the city of Hyderabad which was established by Quli Qutub Shah some 400 years ago, is famous for its cosmopolitan culture, where people of different faiths, religion, caste and creed have been residing peacefully from time immemorial and they will continue to stay even in future.

Moreover, the Constitution also provides Article 300-A which safeguards the properties of the citizens and says no one should be deprived of his property, save by authority of Law. Likewise, we have Article 300 (1) which says, subject to other provisions of this part, Trade, Commerce and Intercourse through the territory of India shall be free.

If in case, the Fundamental Rights are violated or infringed by the State or by any other Statutory Authority, it is always open to the aggrieved party or citizen to question the same under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, by approaching the High Court or under Article 32 of the Constitution of India to the Supreme Court by filing Writ Petitions.

Therefore, all the citizens should ignore the baseless rumors or predictions rather concentrate on their day-to-day activities and avocations. Moreover, as part of our fundamental duties we should inter alia strive as per Article 51-A (c) to uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India and (e) to promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all people of India transcending religions, linguistic and regional or sectional diversities, to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women and (f) to value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture and (i) to safeguard public property and to abjure violence and (j) to strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activities so that the nation constantly rises to higher level of Endeavour and Achievements.