Andhra Pradesh, Telangana are like my eyes: Naidu

Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu reiterated that the Telugu states were like his two eyes during his first visit to NTR Bhavan in Hyderabad on Sunday after taking oath of office for the fourth time.

Addressing leaders and cadres after receiving a rousing reception from them, he expressed his commitment to rebuilding the Telugu Desam in Telangana. “The Telugu Desam will continue to exist till Telugu society flourishes,” Naidu said expressing confidence that the party will get back the past glory on Telangana soil.

Naidu said that successive governments had continued the development of Hyderabad city which was taken up by the TD while in power. He strongly desired that both the Telugu states cooperate with each other so that they will progress in all sectors.

Fondly recalling that the Telugu community had the highest regard for him, Naidu said that a committee will be constituted to resolve the bifurcation-related problems between both the states.

“I know every inch of both the states, right from Adilabad to Srikakulam. There are activists who worked hard for the victory of the TD and all of them will be encouraged in all possible ways,” he said.

“Our Deputy Chief Minister and Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan had initially extended support to the TD during elections and has ensured that the anti-incumbency vote is not divided,” Naidu said, adding that the BJP too had later joined hands with the TD and the Jana Sena.

“The exchequer is empty now and the state is in deep financial distress. But I am confident that I can bring the state out of this crisis,” Naidu maintained.

“Problems should be resolved not by causing disturbances but through a dialogue. I will certainly bury the evil downright that caused enormous disaster to Andhra Pradesh,” Naidu said.

Acknowledging that the TD leaders and the cadre worked hard both directly and indirectly for his victory in the elections, he said that if there is any rebirth he would like to be born again on Telugu soil.

“With the enthusiasm among the cadre here I am confident that the TD will certainly get its past glory. On this occasion I am making it clear that I will work for the welfare of the Telugu society till my last breath,” he added.

Naidu expressed happiness that the cadre in Telangana is still very active though the TD is not in power for the last 20 years, from 2004. “In fact, the respect among the cadre towards the TD is growing by the day and activists are still carrying yellow flags though there is no proper leadership to lead them now,” he remarked.

Recalling reforms like nullifying the Patel and Patwari system introduced by the late NTR, Naidu said that the move gave total independence to the people of Telangana. The most backward classes progressed well in both the Telugu states only because of the welfare measures introduced by the NTR, he said.