KCR, Naidu break ice; Is it real or deceiving?

Hyderabad: The visit of President of India Pranab Mukherjee to the city on Saturday helped break the ice between Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu.

KCR and his cabinet ministers were the first to reach the airport. A few minutes later Naidu walked into the pandal erected for VVIPs to welcome the President. As Naidu entered the pandal, KCR came forward and both shook hands and were seen sharing broad smiles. There were claps from among the people present there and lensmen had a gala time. Even the personal security men of both the Chief Ministers were seen smiling over both the leaders shaking hands. Naidu put his hand on the shoulders of KCR and both walked towards the TS ministers’ gallery. Naidu shook hands with all the ministers present there, including KTR and T Harish Rao. Minutes later, Governor ESL Narsimhan also joined them and exchanged pleasantries and was seated between the two Chief Ministers.

This meeting assumes significance as both the Chief Ministers were so far locked in a wordy duel and did not come face-to-face after the bifurcation. KCR did not invite Naidu for the swearing-in and though Naidu invited him, KCR did not attend Naidu’s swearing-in. On the other hand both had locked horns on various issues like sharing of river waters, power sharing, fee reimbursement and the nativity issue. Later KCR received the President, touched his feet and accompanied him to NALSAR while Naidu left for his camp office at Lake View Guest House.