Hyderabad: The two warring chief ministers N. Chandrababu Naidu and K. Chandrasekhar Rao met for the first time after coming to power on Saturday in a cordial atmosphere at the Begumpet airport on the occasion of President Pranab Mukherjee’s arrival.
The two leaders were ex-changing pleasantries after four years since their last meeting at the Raj Bhavan in 2010.
The leaders had not congratulated each other on their victories in the general elections nor met once after becoming Chief Ministers of the two states.
Both have publicly and privately traded allegations and abuses over the past two months on several issues concerning the states.
But when they met for first time on Saturday, it was pleasant.
Mr Rao severed his ties with Telugu Desam and Mr Naidu 13 years ago.
On Saturday evening, Telangana Chief Minister Mr Chandrasekhar Rao had reached the Begumpet airport almost 45 minutes before President’s arrival.
Few minutes before Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan’s arrival, AP Chief Minister Mr Chandrababu Naidu walked in and went directly to Mr Rao and shook hands with him.
Mr Naidu enquired Mr Rao about his health.
Mr Rao also reciprocated with customary smile and shown Mr Naidu his seat.
The Governor was received by both the Chief Ministers and he was happy to note that both leaders were talking to each other.
All three were seen joking much to the curiosity of all their colleagues.
When the President’s special aircraft landed, the Governor, Mr Rao and Mr Naidu together walked together to the tarmac to receive the President.
Even the President commented he was glad to see both leaders together.
As a mark of courtesy, Mr Naidu asked Mr Rao about the schedule of the programme and informed him he would be back later.
When the President, accompanied by the Governor and Mr Rao returned from the Nalsar University to the airport Mr Naidu returned to meet them.
