Chandrababu Naidu cordially invites KCR to Amaravati fete

RIVALRY GIVES WAY TO CAMARADERIE

Chief Ministers of both the Telugu speaking states discussed various issues during

their 20-minute in-camera meet

Hyderabad: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao had a 20-minute one-to-one meeting on Sunday evening where several issues ranging from details of the new capital in Amaravati to water linking projects and the need for the two Telugu speaking States emerging as a role model for the country in terms of development were discussed.

The meeting between the two Chief Ministers took place when Naidu went to Chandrashekar Rao’s residence to personally invite him for the foundation ceremony of the new capital city of Andhra Pradesh in Amaravati to be held on October 22.

The meeting assumes importance since both the Chief Ministers met after a gap of eight months. Both the States have been at loggerheads on various issues like water and power sharing and the relations had further soared since the issue of ‘cash-for-vote’ and phone tapping surfaced.

During the 20-minute meeting Naidu is said to have explained about the arrangements the government was making for the event, why he chose Amaravati as the capital city and how people’s participation was being ensured.

Chandrashekar Rao not only appreciated Naidu’s efforts but also felt that both the Telugu speaking States should become role models for the country in development.

Chandrashekar Rao is said to have asked Naidu as to how many acres of land had been allocated for administrative buildings. Naidu told Chandrashekar Rao that about 500 acres had been earmarked.

Chandrashekar Rao suggested that it would be better if 1,000 acres was earmarked. Naidu also asked Chandrashekar Rao to intimate him about the timing of his arrival to avoid air traffic congestion for landing of his helicopter.

Chandrashekar Rao told Naidu that he would be staying overnight at Suryapet on October 21 and would reach Amaravati by road. They also discussed about the issue of linking of rivers. In all, Naidu spent about 45 minutes with KCR.

Naidu, who landed at Begumpet aiport at 4.15 pm from Tirupati after attending the family function of annaprasana of his grandson Devansh held a meeting with TDP leaders before going to Chandrashekar Rao’s residence.

Naidu reached Chandrashekar Rao’s house around 6.30 pm accompanied by TTDP leaders L Ramana and E Dayakar Rao. The two leaders obliged the shutterbugs by sharing the same sofa. Deputy Chief Minister Mahmood Ali, Ministers K Taraka Rama Rao and G Jagdish Reddy were also present.

Naidu presented a silk shawl to Chandrashekar Rao, gave him Tirumala prasadam and then handed over the invitation for the foundation ceremony of Amaravati and requested the Telangana Chief Minister to attend the function along with his family. Rao reciprocated the invite by agreeing to attend the function.

Later Naidu went to Raj Bhavan and called on Governor ESL Narsimhan and formally invited him for the function. Naidu gave a detailed briefing to the Governor on the measures the government was making to make the event a gala affair.

He is said to have explained in detail about the security aspects since the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Central Ministers, foreign dignitaries, Chief Ministers of various States and other VVIPs would be attending the function. He told the Governor that about two lakh people were expected to witness the event.