The Task Begins: KCR Takes Oath As First CM Of Telangana

After a long, violent and bitter struggle, the 29^th state of India – Telangana – is born. With the ending of the countdown on Sunday night, the whole region erupted in celebrations with firecrackers lightening the dark sky. People were cheering, whisteling and women were playing ‘Batukamma’ on every street and road of the territory.

As the clock struck midnight, “Jaya jayahe Telanganga janani jaya ketanam”, which will be the official song of Telangana state, was also played on loudspeakers. The Golconda, Assembly complex, Gun Park, Tank Bund, Necklace Road and monuments in Hyderabad were all lit up.

Early in the morning today, Andhra Pradesh Governor E S L Narasimhan was sworn in as the Governor of Telangana. Later, he administered oath to the first Chief Minister of the state, Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief Kalvakuntla Chandrasekhara Rao, fondly called ‘KCR’ by the people.

Two deputy chief ministers – Mohammed Mahmud and T Rajaih – along with 11 cabinet ministers were also sworn in at the small ceremony.

Hyderabad will remain a joint capital for ten years and the president rule has been revoked from the state.

Now the bigger task starts from here. KCR and his government has the opportunity to shape the future of the state and its neighbour and parent Andhra which shares a common history with it. The lasting consequences of the bifurcation can only be mended if KCR takes steps towards tackling the outstanding issues between two states with earnestness and full honesty. There are many contentious subjects such as allocation of employees, management of water resources and sharing of power which should be solved as early and amiably as possible.

With TDP’s N Chandrababu Naidu taking position as chief minister of Andhra Pradesh (divided), KCR will have to keep aside all the political calculations aside and keep the best interest of people in mind who found hand-in-hand by his side for their Telangana. The challenges may be big but they have, at one point or other, worked together while they were in NDA.

They must find a meeting ground despite any differences because the importance of addressing the livelihood and security concerns of the people is bigger than any political difference or indifference.