Controversy Over District Reorganisation Raises Questions on Names and Boundaries

The recent reorganisation of districts in Andhra Pradesh has triggered widespread controversy, with criticism mounting over changes in district headquarters, boundaries, and names. The decision to shift the Annamayya district headquarters from Rayachoti to Madanapalle, along with the creation of new revenue divisions such as Addanki, Pileru, Madakasira, and Banaganapalle, has drawn sharp reactions from the public.

The previous government had formed Annamayya district based on the Rajampet parliamentary constituency. However, the current administration has dissolved it and divided the region among three different districts, leading to strong resentment among residents. While the preliminary notification proposed a Madanapalle district by combining Thamballapalle, Pileru, and Madanapalle constituencies with Punganur, the final notification significantly altered the plan. Rayachoti was included in Madanapalle district, Rajampet was merged into YSR Kadapa district, and Railway Koduru was added to Tirupati district, leaving the new district without a clear identity.

Adding to the controversy, Tallapaka—the birthplace of saint-poet Annamayya—falls within the Rajampet constituency, which has now been merged into YSR Kadapa district. Despite this, the Annamayya name has been retained for the newly formed Madanapalle district, a move critics say has little historical or cultural justification.

Similar objections have been raised over the naming of a new district with Polavaram as its title, even though the original Polavaram region lies in Eluru district. The new district has been formed with Rampachodavaram as its headquarters, prompting allegations that the move was politically motivated and likely to dilute the identity of Rampachodavaram itself.

Further criticism surrounds the merger of Addanki constituency from Bapatla district into Prakasam district, which is seen as diminishing Bapatla’s importance. The formation of another district comprising Markapuram, Kanigiri, Yerragondapalem, and Giddalur has also been questioned for not reflecting local aspirations.

Observers note that while districts formed in 2023 followed a scientific and constituency-based approach, the latest reorganisation appears arbitrary and politically driven. Allegations persist that regions lacking political influence have been adversely affected, while districts considered politically favourable have largely remained unchanged.