Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has said that the controversy over sharing of power from Krishnapatnam thermal project with Telangana could be resolved only by talks or constituting an expert committee.

Addressing a well attended meeting of TDP workers at Ambedkar stadium here, Mr. Naidu asked the TRS government to come forward and hold consultations with Andhra Pradesh to resolve several issues, including sharing of power, water and others.

After bifurcation of the State, the TRS government had blamed Andhra Pradesh on water sharing. When the police forces of the two States clashed on Nagarjunasagar dam over release of water to Andhra Pradesh, Mr. Naidu said it was he who proposed to meet Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao in the presence of the Governor. Politics are different and governance is different, he said.

Mr. Naidu said although the States were geographically separated, people should be united psychologically.

Expressing concern over prevailing drought conditions and failure of crops in Telangana, he said that the TDP government did not want farmers to suffer due to non-availability of power.

Predicting that the TDP would bounce back to power in Telangana in 2019 elections, he called upon the cadre to work hard by taking up several public issues. Some leaders had joined the TRS for selfish gains. But, the cadre is committed and remained with the party at all times, he said.

MRPS protests

There was mild commotion when some of the MRPS activists tried to raise black flags as a mark of protest at the meeting. However, Mr Naidu said that it is unfair on their part. We are committed for the categorisation of SCs and welfare of the Madigas, he added. Earlier, he was accorded a tumultuous welcome during his maiden visit to the district after formation of the State. Earlier, Mr. Naidu was accorded a tumultuous welcome by the party rank and file on his maiden visit to Karimnagar after post-bifurcation.