Making all-out efforts to stop division: CM

Chittoor: “I am making all-out efforts to prevent the bifurcation of state, and seek the blessing of the Almighty and your support to prevent it,” Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy said on Wednesday.

Addressing people at the Rachabanda programmes in Jillelamanda in KV Palli and Kalakada in his Piler constituency, Kiran Kumar Reddy said he had been pressing the Centre in many ways to desist from proceeding with the bifurcation. He said was also trying to prevail upon senior leaders of his party to realise that the State will prosper if only it remained united.

“Development is possible if the State is big as it would get more funds',” he explained to the people. Stating that his government had allocated Rs 13,000 crore for the third phase of Rachabanda programme, the Chief Minister pointed out that Andhra Pradesh emerged a pioneer in many novel initiatives like Stree Nidhi, Bangaru Talli, SC/ST Sub-Plan, Rs 1-a-kg rice scheme and interest-free loans to women. “The State has been spending a huge chunk of its revenue on welfare schemes, and has become a role model for other States in the country,” said a beaming Kiran Kumar Reddy. “The State was in a financial crisis when I assumed office as Chief Minister, but now we have overcome it, and ensured that the State is progressing on all fronts,'' he said, projecting his development plank to rally support for his efforts to keep the State united.

The Chief Minister launched development works to the tune of Rs 217 crore in KV Palle, Kalikiri and Kalakad mandals in his Piler constituency.