The Communist Party of India (Marxist) urged the Andhra Pradesh government to create a new Special Tribal District comprising Chinturu, Rampacchodavaram and Polavaram divisions to ensure administrative advantage and protect the interests of tribal communities.
In a statement released here on Wednesday, CPI(M) state secretary V. Srinivasa Rao said it would not be appropriate to merge these tribal areas – currently part of Alluri Sitharama Raju district – with East Godavari, which the government is reportedly considering.
Citing media reports that the Cabinet sub-committee on district reorganization had suggested two new districts, Madanapalle and Markapuram, he said it was disappointing that the long-pending demand for a separate tribal district was again ignored. “Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu assured this during the last election campaign, but the omission of the proposal in the current discussions has discouraged the tribal population,” said Mr. Srinivasa Rao.
He also expressed concern over reports that the Chief Minister had proposed merging Chinturu and Rampachodavaram revenue divisions with East Godavari in a recent sub-committee meeting. “Such a move goes against the wishes of the local tribal communities who have been consistently pushing for a separate district comprising these divisions along with the Polavaram constituency,” he added.
The CPI(M) president criticized the Cabinet sub-committee for allegedly basing its conclusions on limited consultations. He said the panel appeared to gather opinions selectively rather than through broad, transparent public hearings.
Mr. Srinivasa Rao demanded that the government conduct open consultations across the affected areas and prepare a comprehensive report reflecting the aspirations of the people before finalizing any boundary changes.
Published – 29 Oct 2025 21:12 IST
