K Chandrasekhar Rao welcomes Jagan Mohan Reddy with a hug

Hyderabad: Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao on Saturday made it clear that the policy of Telangana state is to maintain cordial relations with neighbouring states in a give-and-take manner, and same would be followed in case of Andhra Pradesh. Special emphasis was laid on resolving disputes on sharing Krishna and Godavari waters.

Mr Rao made this statement after warmly receiving AP Chief Mini-ster-designate Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy and his wife Y.S. Bharati Reddy at Pragathi Bhavan on Saturday evening.

Mr Rao gave Mr Reddy a warm hug and presented bouquets to him and his wife. Their families, including TRS working president K.T. Rama Rao, spent about 45 minutes at a meeting. Mr Rao congratulated Mr Reddy for his historic victory in Andhra Pradesh and shared sweets. The YSRC leader invited Mr Rao, his family and the TS Cabinet to his swearing-in ceremony.

Later, Mr Rao released a statement in which he said that if only the Godavari and Krishna waters are used effectively, Telangana state and Andhra Pradesh would prosper.

He said “Right from the beginning it has been our intention to maintain cordial and friendly relations with neighbouring states. I personally went to Maharashtra and met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis there. I personally took the initiative on the aspect of water disputes between erstwhile Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra resulting in holding up of construction of projects. I told that our policy would be live and let live.”

According to the statement, the CM told Mr Reddy that “by solving disputes both the states will be benefitted. With this Maharashtra state came forward to cooperate. As a result, we are able to construct Kaleshwaram and other projects. Our policy would be to maintain similar relations with the present AP also. Let us act in a manner so that both the states are benefited.”

Mr Rao discussed with the CM-designate measures for optimum utilisation of Godavari and Krishna waters by both states. The two leaders have agreed to have a meeting of officers to discuss these issues.

Earlier, Mr Rao introduced the members of his family to the Reddys following which he introduced the YSRC president to senior TRS leaders including Dr K. Keshav Rao, some members of the Telangana Cabinet and some of the CMO officials. He presented a shawl and a model of a veena to Mr Reddy and his wife.

They described the meet as a courtesy call and Mr Reddy invited Mr Rao to attend his swearing in ceremony in Vijayawada on May 30 along with the family members and Cabinet colleagues.

Mr Reddy was accompanied by party MPs V. Vijaya Sai Reddy and Mithun Reddy. At the meeting were TS Speaker Pocharam Srinivas Reddy, Deputy Speaker Padma Rao, TRS working president K.T. Rama Rao, ministers Mahmood Ali, Etela Rajender, Indraka-ran Reddy, Koppula Eswar, Jagadish Reddy, Vemula Prashanth Reddy, Talasani Srinivas Yadav, V. Srinivas Goud, Ch Malla Reddy, Government Whip Palla Rajeshwar Reddy, Parliamentary Party leader K. Keshav Rao, MP Santosh Kumar and others.