Former Andhra Pradesh Home Minister Dr M V Mysura Reddy has warned leaders in the state government that the Rayalaseema region in the state continued to be neglected and could lead to a large-scale movement for a separate state, like that of Telangana.

"The youth of Rayalaseema are frustrated as there is no development in the region. Water and unemployment are crucial issues. This will lead to a new bifurcation movement and the government of Andhra Pradesh will be responsible for it," Reddy was quoted as saying.

Reddy was speaking to reporters at the Press Club of Hyderabad on Tuesday, where he launched two books, Astitvam and Idee Sangathi, Others who were present included former DGP C Anjaneya Reddy and senior journalists Pothuri Venkatshwara Rao and VM Krishna Rao.

The books, Reddy said, spoke about the lack of development in the region; which includes Kurnool, Chittoor, Kadapa and Anantapur.  The region has several drought-prone areas and witnesses farmer suicides annually.

“During the Telangana agitation, it was pointed out that Rayalaseema be made a separate state if the State of Andhra Pradesh was to be divided at all. Now in the new state, Rayalaseema is still the weak limb and everyone is aggrieved. During bifurcation, it was demanded that Andhra Pradesh should be divided into three States. The demand still exists,” Reddy stated.

Speaking at the event, Venkateswara Rao told reporters, "People of Rayalaseema need to fight for their rights and voice their problems. They need strong leadership and platform in this regard, else future generations will continue to suffer."

Mysura Reddy began his political career in the Congress and served as a Home Minister in Vijaya Bhaskar Reddy's cabinet before going on to serve as the Transport Minister in Nedurumalli Janardhana Reddy's tenure. He has even served as an MP and has switched loyalties multiple times between the YSRCP and TDP