Hyderabad: Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment Bandaru Dattatreya said here today that he would strive to fulfil aspirations of Telangana in his new role at the Centre.

"I will act as a bridge between Centre and the state government and do my bit to get things done for Telangana," Dattatreya said, after he was accorded a civic reception by the Telangana government this afternoon.

Praising Dattatreya, Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao said that he is not 'Bandaru' but 'Bangaru' (golden) Dattatreya for Telangana.

"There was a void at the Centre as so far there was no representative in the Union Cabinet from Telangana. Now that has been filled, Dattatreya will be our voice," Rao added.

Dattatreya said while KCR was the first chief minister of the new state, he is the first Union Minister from Telangana.

"T Anjaiah, G Venkataswamy and even KCR have served as Union Labour ministers in the past. I am happy to join the list. I will strive for the welfare of workers in sync with

Centre's Shramayeva Jayate policy," Dattatreya added.

The veteran BJP leader thanked former Governor of Sikkim V V Rama Rao, who was also present on the occasion, for encouraging him to embark into politics during his initial days.

Telangana Legislative Council Chairman Swamy Goud, Legislative Assembly Speaker S Madhusudanachari, Leader of Opposition in the assembly K Jana Reddy, state BJP president G Kishan Reddy, ministers, legislators and senior officials were also present at the programme.

Source: DC