KCR, Naidu play Alai Balai

• Warmly greet and hug each other at Alai Balai programme
• Naidu wants people of both States to prosper harmoniously
• Ends his speech with ‘Jai Telangana, Jai Andhra Pradesh’
• KCR all praise for Dattatreya for holding the unique event
• All Telugus are one, though they live in two States: Governor

Hyderabad: 'Alai Balai', a traditional event showcasing the cultural heritage of Telangana, organised by BJP national vice-president and MP Bandaru Dattatreya as part of Dasara festivities at Jalavihar here on Sunday, saw a rare bonhomie between Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao and his AP counterpart N Chandrababu Naidu.

Both of them hugged each other as a clutch of shutterbugs captured the rare moments that took place. Rao was leaving the venue after marking his presence when Naidu entered Jalavihar. As both came face to face, they warmly shook hands and hugged each other and exchanged pleasantries. Naidu patted Rao on his shoulders and moved on to the dais while Rao left to attend the party’s state executive meeting.

Governor E S L Narasimhan was all praise for Dattatreya for organising the event for the 10th consecutive year that brought leaders from all parties on one platform. He said that the Telugu-speaking people are one, though they live in two states now. He hoped that both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh states would co-operate each other in the path of development and that they would maintain cordial relations in future. He also appreciated the gesture of both CMs who hugged each other.

The Governor wished that Andhra Pradesh and Telangana move ahead with a spirit of unity and brotherhood.

Agreeing with the Governor that when people hug each other, it strengthens the bonds, Naidu felt that such a hug should not be for the sake of shutterbugs or TV cameras. The feeling should come from deep inside. He said, “when we go abroad we feel happy when we meet fellow Indians and we feel happier when we meet fellow Telugus.” He said the people of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh should remember that the division that had taken place was only geographical.

“All of us are Telugus and that bonding should last forever. Both states should cooperate with each other and stand by each other in times of any calamity. Similarly both should move together in the process of development.”

Naidu hailed the Secunderabad MP for holding such a programme which was a rarity since leaders from Congress, TDP, TRS and BJP were all among the attendees. He ended his speech with chants of ‘Jai Telangana’ and ‘Jai Andhra Pradesh’ slogans.

Chandrasekhar Rao in a short speech hailed Dattatreya as the Alai Balai icon. Despite busy schedule, Rao said he made it a point to attend the programme out of respect for ‘Dattannna’ and the uniqueness of his Alai-Balai programme.

KCR’s daughter and Nizamabad MP Kalvakuntla Kavitha appreciated Dattatreya for giving cultural art forms of various districts a platform to showcase their talent and skills through Alai Balai. She even recited a few lines of ‘Chittu Chittamma’ song when the compere for the programme requested her to sing a Bathukamma song.

Telangana Assembly Speaker Madhusudhana Chary, Legislative Council Chairman Swamy Goud, Ministers T Harish Rao, Etela Rajender and G Jagdish Reddy, MP K Keshava Rao, Congress leaders Nandi Yellaiah and Rapolu Anand Bhaskar were among those who attended the celebrations.

The guests were served exquisite and unique culinary dishes of Telangana region on the occasion.