HYDERABAD: Lending support to B R Ambedkar's views on smaller states and the need to have a second national capital, the Hyderabad Bachao-Badhao Aandolana , is all set to launch a campaign for "50 states-two capitals" this week in the city. "Considering the huge population growth in the country and political and social issues affecting us, we need to follow what Ambedkar had suggested many decades ago," said.

T Prashant Kumar , founder and convener of the organization, formed in 2010 with the iconic dalit leader's views as their guiding principles. The members of the body will soon hold rallies and awareness programmes throughout the state. Apart from this, they also plan to muster nationwide support to their cause by visiting Delhi and giving representations to various political parties.

"There is a scope for dividing the country into 50 smaller states. This will not only ensure easy administration but also peace and harmony in the region," he said. The members also want Hyderabad to be made the second national capital of the country.

"There is a wide gap between south and north Indians as there is a widespread feeling that importance is always being given to north India. Having a capital in a south Indian city is the need of the hour and Hyderabad is the ideal city for this. Even Ambedkar felt the same and supported this argument," he said. Listing out further advantages, he said: "If a second capital is created, the winter sessions of parliament can be held in the city which boasts of a pleasant weather throughout the year. Also, the Supreme Court can have a bench here paving the way for decentralization of judiciary."

Another supporter of this idea, Chalasani Srinivas, president, Andhra Intellectuals Forum, said that this demand was already gaining support from various political party leaders.

"If Hyderabad is made the second capital of the country, the city and adjoining 100 kms will develop by leaps and bounds whether the state is divided or not. There will be great progress in the fields of education and health. The employment opportunities will also improve due to large scale investments," said Srinivas,

He even said allotment of about 1000 acres was enough for the city to be made the second capital.

