Chandrababu Naidu strongly opposes merger of Andhra Bank with UBI

Vijayawada: Former Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday wrote a letter to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman requesting the latter to retain and protect the distinct identify of Andhra Bank (AB) by continuing its current status as Andhra Bank is a household name among Telugu people.

He has written the letter in view of the decision taken by Central government to merge Andhra Bank with the Union Bank of India (UBI) and Corporation Bank as part of the national policy of merger of banks. Chandrababu Naidu reacted sharply to the decision of the Central government and dashed off a letter.

He said Andhra Bank is a household name among Telugu people and it continues to inspire the Telugu people in achieving and contributing to the nation. He further said the Bank was founded in 1923 by noted freedom fighter Dr Bhogaraju Pattabhi Sitaramayya in Machilipatnam and it would celebrate 100 years of formation in 2022.

The TDP leader said if the merger of Andhra Bank is unavoidable with two others banks, Andhra Bank should be made anchor Bank and its name should be continued as usual. He felt the decision would inspire generations coming together. He said he was writing the letter with heavy heart on behalf of the Telugu people regarding the merger of Andhra Bank and requested the FM to withdraw the decision or make Andhra Bank as the anchor Bank.