With an intention to spearhead a movement to make Hyderabad as the “second capital of India”, the Hyderabad Bachao Andolan on Thursday undertook a bike rally from 11 am to 1 pm here. 

The bike rally, which was flagged off at Dr Ambedkar statue, Tank Bund passed through Liberty Crossroads, Domalguda, Himayathnagar,Narayanguda, RTC Crossroads and concluded at Indira Park. 

Speaking to the media at Indira Park, the founder-convener of Hyderabad Bachao Andolan, Mr Tallapalli Prashanth Kumar, said that date back in 1950s.

“Bharat Ratna” and architect of Indian Constitution, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar proposed two capital cities for the country --- Delhi (for north) and Hyderabad (for South).

Deriving inspiration from his proposal, the HBA has organised the bike rally, he added.  Mr Prashanth Kumar also said that the HBA was planning to organise similar rallies and other programmes in Greater Hyderabad from today until December 6, the death anniversary of Dr Ambedkar, to create awareness and instill inspiration among the people of the city on the issue.

On December 6, the HBA would intensify their movement to achieve the goal.  Referring to the ongoing Telangana movement, Mr Kumar said that statehood for Telangana might become a reality soon adding that the status Hyderabad, both as the capital of Telangana State and second capital of the country, would be elevated as an international city.

Mr Jai Hind Goud, co-convener of HBA, has said that though Dr Ambedkar proposed in 1953 to make Hyderabad as second capital city, it did not materialise due to the machinations of some north Indian forces. 

Stating that the city of Hyderabad is inhabited by the people of all religions, regions and languages and has a glorious cultural and geographical history, Mr Jai Hind Goud said that if it was made the country’s second capital, foreign investments and industries would inundate it. 

Enumerating disadvantages with Delhi being the only national capital, he said that whenever any invasion occurs, Delhi will be more vulnerable. Besides, it would be enveloped by snow during winter season.

But Hyderabad, being at the centre point, does not have such drawbacks, he felt.  The HBA co-convenors, Mr Soloman Raju, Mr Riaz, Mr Sudesh Kumar, Dr Mohan and advocate, Mr Sunil Kumar, also spoke.

Home secretary GK Pillai Earlier waded into controversy saying Hyderabad will be the capital of the proposed Telangana state but beat a hasty retreat when his remarks created a huge flutter in Andhra Pradesh. 

"Hyderabad, I think, will always be the capital of Telangana," Pillai, who was there on an overnight visit, told reporters after a security review meeting. 

But immediately his remarks were opposed by political leaders from coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema who are opposed to creation of Telangana and more so Hyderabad being its capital. 

Shortly later, Pillai issued a clarification saying that he did not state that Hyderabad would be the Capital of Telangana.

This statement assumes immense significance since this confirms that the central government is planning to go ahead with the statehood to Telangana. They don't seem to think that the Rayalaseema and Coastal Andhra agitation will last long.