Hyderabad: Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan, AP Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao emphasised the need for the unity of Telugu people through programmes like ‘alai-balai’ (hugging and wishing well).
Participating in the 11th ‘alai-balai’ programme organised by senior BJP MP Bandaru Dattatreya on Sunday, Governor Narasimhan said both the states need to consult and co-operate with each other to bring prosperity for the two states.
“Politics is secondary. Society and its people are first priority,” said the Governor. Mr Naidu said the two states, though divided geographically, should co-operate with each other and solve problems. He reminded people that when he was Chief Minister for united AP, he sent relief material and men to assist in flood relief operations in Odisha.
He also said though he is the Chief Minister of AP, he needs to look after Telugu Desam affairs in both the states. “I have been living in Hyderabad since 1978 when I was elected as MLA. I will continue to stay here,” Mr Naidu said. He concluded his speech with the slogan ‘Jai Telangana, Jai Andhra Pradesh, Jai Bharat.’
Telangana CM K. Chandrasekhar Rao came a few minutes earlier than Mr Naidu. He complimented Mr Bandaru Dattatreya for being an icon of the ‘alai-balai’ programme and left the venue saying he had to rush to attend his party meet. As KCR was on his way out, Chandrababu Naidu arrived.
Both the Chief Ministers came face to face and at the instance of Bandaru Dattatreya they hugged each other and exchanged wishes. After KCR left the premises, Chandrababu Naidu entered the hall where the programme was being held. Speaking on the occasion, Dattatreya told the gathering that he invited both the leaders with the specific purpose of hugging each other on the dais, but the ‘alai’ (hugging) took place outside the venue!
