Hyderabad: Keeping in view ensuing elections to the Graduates constituency and local body elections in Warangal, TDP president and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Friday kick-started his tour of Telangana state – his first after the bifurcation of united Andhra Pradesh – in order to revive the fortunes of his party.

Despite encountering some hurdles in the form of protests from MRPS cadre en route to Warangal, the TDP president went ahead and addressed a massive gathering of 10,000 party activists at the Hayagreeva Chary Grounds. Naidu began his speech, hailing the greatness of erstwhile rulers, the Kakatiyas, besides remembering revolutionary leader Chakali Ailamma and Telangana ideologue Prof Jayashankar.

Addressing the party workers, he asserted that despite his efforts to resolve disputes that arose out of the state bifurcation, the TRS government showed little reconciliation and did not help establish a friendly atmosphere between the two States.  During his 50-minute speech, the TDP president tried to drive the point home, stating that he had never done anything to curtail the development of Telangana as was being alleged by TRS leaders.

He pointed out that it was in fact the TDP which strove hard for development of Telangana region in the united Andhra Pradesh. A good foundation was laid by the party founder president, N T Rama Rao, who did away with the Patel Patwari system and introduced several reforms. Since succeeding NTR, Naidu said he had been carrying forward the process of development of Telangana.  Referring to irrigation projects, he mentioned projects like Devadula, AMR and Kalwakurthy which were taken up during his TDP regime.  

Naidu said that though the TDP took a firm stand in favour of division of the state, opponents including TRS caused problems for the party.  He recalled the fight he had taken up against Bhabali project and how he was arrested by Maharashtra police. The TRS made light of his struggle and commented that it was merely 2 tmcft of water. Now in government, the same TRS was now feeling the impact of that “after all 2 tmcft water” remark.

The TDP chief said that at the time of bifurcation  he pleaded with the Congress to address all the problems which arise out of the bifurcation, but the Centre took the decision in a hurry.  Referring to the power and the water issues between the AP and Telangana, Naidu said that they can be resolved amicably if the TRS government came forward.

Naidu said though geographically Telangana and AP are divided, emotionally the people in the both the States were one. But unfortunately, some leaders in TS were twisting his statements. Naidu said division was now part of history and both States cannot merge again, but the leaders should have magnanimity to sit across the table and resolve all issues. He said he had invited TRS government for talks to resolve the contentious issues several times but to no avail.

The TRS government should realise that if both the Telugu-speaking States work together, they can force the Centre to give greater financial assistance to them.  On the issue of sharing of power, he said AP was strictly going by the provisions of AP State Reorganisation Act 2014.

Appreciating the patience of the party cadre despite the fact that some leaders had deserted the party, Naidu said he was highly indebted to the cadre and would do his best to see that their interests were well protected.  Naidu began his one-day tour this morning by first paying floral tributes to NTR statue at Rasoolpura in Secunderabad.

As the convoy of over 500 vehicles with party workers and leaders led by Rajendranagar MLA Prakash Goud rolled on, it met with tumultuous welcome at many places. Naidu addressed meetings at Bhongir and a few places along the route.

• AP CM begins tour of Telangana
• First visit after bifurcation of united AP State
• Urges KCR to discuss and resolve all issues
• Both can fight unitedly for greater Central help

Source: THI