The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has urged the Andhra Pradesh government to create a new special tribal district comprising the Chinturu, Rampachodavaram, and Polavaram divisions to ensure administrative convenience and protect the interests of tribal communities.
In a statement released here on Wednesday, CPI(M) State Secretary V. Srinivasa Rao said it would be inappropriate to merge these tribal areas — currently part of the Alluri Sitharama Raju district — with East Godavari, as reportedly being considered by the government.
Citing media reports that the Cabinet sub-committee on district reorganisation has proposed two new districts, Madanapalle and Markapuram, he said it was disappointing that the long-pending demand for a separate tribal district was once again ignored. “Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu had assured this during the last election campaign, but the omission of the proposal in the current discussions has disheartened the tribal population,” Mr. Srinivasa Rao said.
He also expressed concern over reports that the Chief Minister, in a recent meeting with the sub-committee, had suggested merging Chinturu and Rampachodavaram revenue divisions with East Godavari. “Such a move goes against the wishes of the local tribal communities, who have consistently sought a separate district that includes these divisions along with the Polavaram constituency,” he added.
The CPI(M) leader criticised the Cabinet sub-committee for allegedly basing its conclusions on limited consultations. He said the panel appeared to have gathered opinions selectively rather than through broad, transparent public hearings.
Mr. Srinivasa Rao demanded that the government hold open consultations across the affected areas and prepare a comprehensive report reflecting people’s aspirations before finalising any boundary changes.
Published – October 29, 2025 09:12 pm IST
