At the Congress chief ministers’ conclave in Nainital in September 2006, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhar Reddy had emerged as numero uno chief minister with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh exhorting others to follow the Andhra Pradesh model in implementing irrigation schemes and tackling Naxalism. Sixteen months later, YSR, as he is popularly called, has to spend much time in New Delhi due to the growing demand for a separate state of Telangana. In an interview with D K Singh, YSR argues that a separate state could create a new haven for Naxalites. Excerpts:• What is your stance on Telangana issue?The erstwhile Telugu Desam Party (TDP) Government completely neglected irrigation projects in the region that was witnessing severe drought, triggering the demand for a separate state. We actively undertook irrigation projects and other rural developmental activities in a focused manner. In the last three-and-a-half years, over Rs 10,000 crore has been spent on irrigation projects in the region. While some of these projects have been completed, others are nearing completion. Thus, the situation is different now.• You were learnt to have told the Congress high command that creation of a separate state would encourage Naxalites.The Naxalites are coming forward in support of a separate Telangana state. Probably, in case of a separate state, their activities in Chhattisgarh would be furthered and extended.• Several Congress leaders from Telangana have gathered in Delhi and are seeking an appointment with the Congress president to demand a separate state. Apparently, there is a difference of opinion within the party.Ultimately, all of us will have to abide by the high command’s decision.• What is your stance on the creation of Second States Reorganisation Commission (SRC)?SRC was an election promise four years ago. However, in the recent past, the SRC has not been a favoured option.• How are you looking at the TDP’s growing proximity with the Left?The TDP is trying to woo the Left, but we and the Left have a strong belief in secularism. The TDP had swayed to the other side, along with the BJP, when they thought it was to their political advantage. The TDP is an opportunist party, but the Congress and the Left don’t compromise on secularism.• When you came to power, the number of farmers’ suicide was very high in Andhra Pradesh. You claimed at the Nainital conclave that you had brought it down to zero. What would be your advice to the Centre to tackle this problem in other parts of the country, especially in Vidarbha and Bundelkhand?It is still zero in Andhra Pradesh. Our pro-farmer policies, such as free power for 25 lakh pump sets and giving farm credit at subsidised interest rates of 5 per cent, produced good results. Our Self-Help Group (SHG) movement was exemplary. This year, our SHGs are leveraging bank loans amounting to Rs 7,000 crore.• There are demands from certain quarters to waive agriculture loans to check farmers’ suicide. Do you think it works?Only 50 per cent farmers have bank accounts or have borrowed from other money lending institutions. Hence, waiving loans is not a solution. Instead, all 9.5 crore small and marginal farmers should be given input subsidy for two to three years.
