Dateline Hyderabad

review
Senior journalist Devulapalli Amar’s compilation of columns in Telugu engage the reader with some known, a few forgotten, and many momentous happenings that had major influence on the future events of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana states

Senior journalist with four decades of experience in journalism, and twice-elected President of AP Union of Working Journalists, Devulapalli Amar, over the years has gained reputation as a scribe with a sharp tongue, popular for forthright commentary and writing style that decodes the complexity of political machinations in simple prose.

His columns are a reflection of the dynamics of Andhra Pradesh politics and ooze of sarcasm and tongue-in-cheek statements making it a delightful read. A compilation of his analytical columns that were published in newspaper ‘Prajatantra’ are brought out in the form of a well produced book, ‘Dateline Hyderabad’.

Articles spanning a crucial time in the political history of the combined Andhra Pradesh, during the period between 1998 and 2004 that not only gives us a ring side view of the important developments of the time, but also engages the reader with some known, a few forgotten, a many momentous happenings that had major influence on the future events of the state.

Amar while sharing the details about the book says that ‘Dateline Hyderabad’ belongs to three periods – Andhra Prabha, Prajatantra and Sakshi. And when he began the weekly column, he was a bit apprehensive, especially because there were other journalists much senior to him writing columns in other publications. But his columns received good response and he didn’t look back.

Barring a few breaks, the column went on to reflect political face of Andhra Pradesh for 25 years. Marking the milestone, Devulapalli Amar published the book that is a collection of articles published in ‘Prajatantra’ – an independent publication that began operations in late ‘90s to provide employment to journalists who were increasingly losing jobs due to crisis in the media industry and to be an independent voice of the people. And though the publication was launched by the then Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, from day one it chose to speak its mind reflecting the sentiment of common people independent of any government influence. And Amar’s columns, too, followed the principle.

So, if you had an article that spoke of the dissent and clamour for leadership in the state-level Congress party (which was in the opposition when Babu-led TDP was in power) that otherwise gladly bows to central leadership of one family and one individual; in the same breath he speaks against CM’s undue support to TDP member, former Home Minister Kodela Sivaprasad in whose house there was a bomb blast killing five people and bomb making equipment was also found (1998). The latter especially can be called the perfect example of Amar’s tongue-in-cheek commentary and sarcasm overload as he hits the nail on the head.

He titles it “Bomb Tayaari Neram Kaadani Prakatiste Pola’ – Wouldn’t it have been better if it was announced that making bombs is not a crime’. Many articles like this one not just showcase the writing expertise of the now seasoned columnist but also bring back to our memory many small, big events that have been lost in the sands of time; those that neither the people nor the politicians in question bother to rewind and recollect.

His affiliation to Telangana and its travails comes through many a time in the book. In a column he wrote on September 20, 1998, he speaks of how various parties are competing with each other to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Hyderabad Liberation, especially BJP that was trying to portray as if it is about Hindus’ victory over the Nizams. He reminds how it was a liberation movement beyond religious affiliations and how Muslims, too, played an important role in freeing Hyderabad from the Razakars and Nizam government.

He also mentions the apprehension of Chandrababu Naidu who decides against declaring a holiday on the day in fear of antagonising Muslims who were already miffed with his party supporting BJP at the centre. Amar wonders how the Congress thought of terming it merger with Indian Union and how that was possible without liberation.

His frank questioning of the stand taken by various parties, the excesses and the deficiencies of the state government, and the criticism of policies and decisions comes from knowing the nerve of the readers and with in-depth knowledge of politics and governance. And for people who will be reading them after so many years, or for the first time, the book gives a peek into the political history of combined Andhra Pradesh in its engaging best.