THE chief minister of Andhra Pradesh put in his papers on 19th February with the political turmoil in the state finally reaching an end with the division of the state. But no force on land could extinguish the fire in anganwadis of the state who began their second phase of agitation from 27th January when over 30,000 participated in dharnas before all collectorates. This phase of agitation culminated on 02nd March with the holding of public meetings wherein more than half a lakh anganwadis participated across the state.

Speaking to reporters after the bill was passed on 18th February, the CPI(M) leader pointed out that the creation of separate state of Telangana has raised immense hopes among the people of that region while at the same time creating many apprehensions among people of Seemandhra region. The very same ruling classes that have failed to comprehensively develop the united state are set to rule in both the states. They would be implementing the same neo-liberal, World Bank-dictated policies. These policies will create new inequalities in both the states. People’s problems will not be solved.

EVEN as the Delhi maneuverings to decide on the bifurcation issue reached a feverish pitch, the working people of all three regions of Andhra Pradesh are unitedly on struggle path centering around their genuine demands. The 1.8 lakh strong Anganwadi workers and helpers in the state are conducting indefinite hunger strikes demanding hike in wages. At the same time in support of over 60,000 outsourced sanitation workers in municipalities, nine workers’ unions undertook a five-day long strike across the state demanding hike in wages.