KCR-Governor ESL Narasimhan ties a surprise for many

Hyderabad: Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao has met Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan a record number of times in the last four years. No other chief minister in the past in united Andhra Pradesh or in any other state has ever met the governor more frequently than the Telangana CM. On an average, Mr Rao meets the governor once in 10 days.

After becoming the chief minister, KCR has maintained a good rapport with the governor. When KCR goes to Delhi, he meets the governor on his return. In the same way, when the governor goes to Delhi, he meets the CM on his return.

Sources in the TRS said sometimes the CM takes the governor’s advice on certain issues.

The Governor too has a good rapport with the Centre, particularly with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Rajnath Singh. Mr Narasimhan was appointed as the Governor by the UPA government. After the BJP-led NDA government came to power, Mr Narasimhan continued as the Governor of both Telangana and AP states.

Generally, chief ministers meet the governor only during cabinet expansion, before the Assembly session begins, on Independence Day and Republic Day. When some important bills are due to be signed by the governor, chief ministers tend to meet the governors of their respective states.

It is a fact that both Mr Rao and Governor Narasimhan are friendly with each other. There are speculations that the governor has been working as a negotiator between the state and central governments, since he has good relations with both.

Governor Narasimhan is also on good terms with Ajit Doval, the national security advisor to the Prime Minister.

When Mr Rao and Narasimhan meet at the Raj Bhavan, sometimes they discuss about political issues too, sources said.

Sometime ago, Telugu Desam leaders, including some ministers had criticized the Governor alleging that he was is in favour of Telangana and did not take any interest about Andhra Pradesh. Recently, AP Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu also criticized the governor’s institution. Political circles said the close relationship between CM KCR and Governor Narasimhan had given room to the TD to criticize the latter.