Identity Crisis For Delhi's AP Bhavan, Hyderabad House

By Kajol Singh / INN Live

The pungency of the battle over Seemandhra and Telangana has led to a duel over the ownership of two of Delhi’s landmarks -- Hyderabad House, where the Indian Government throws lavish dinners for visiting foreign dignitaries, and its humbler cousin of cuisine Andhra Pradesh Bhavan, which hosts the cafeteria that first introduced delicious Andhra food to Delhiites.
In tune with Napoleon’s saying “an army marches on its stomach”, pro and anti Telangana protestors who once thronged the national capital had a common fill-in-station at Andhra Bhawan, standing barely 200 metres from Parliament.

After the Telangana approval came through earlier this week, the question now is, “Does the Bhavan belong to Telangana or Seemandhra?” The Cabinet note on the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh is silent on the status of the Bhawan. Even AP Bhawan employees are divided on regional lines and have taken out rallies in support of their country cousins. 

“Dharnas and candle-light rallies in front of AP Bhawan have become a regular affair with people from both the regions,” said Kiran Kumar, special officer at the Bhawan. Most of its employees are from Seemandhra. With the employees split over what cuisines should be served, a new battle is now on the cards.

The Bhawan has been the birthplace of many historic events such as the discussions that led to the formation of the National Front Government in 1989 and the United Front Government in 1996. In 1987, the Bhawan hosted a conclave of non-Congress Chief Ministers to revive anti-Congress forces.

 It was N T Rama Rao, former CM and founder of the TDP, who opened the AP Bhavan canteen.