YSRCP, BRS trying to create discord between A.P. and Telangana: TDP leader

Swachh Andhra Corporation Chairman Kommareddy Pattabhiram accused the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) and the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) of conspiring to create discord between the two Telugu-speaking States for ‘narrow political gains.

Addressing the media at the TDP central office at Mangalagiri on Tuesday, Mr. Pattabhiram said that Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu had always stood for cooperation and mutual development of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

“Mr. Naidu has been consistently maintaining that Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are like two eyes to him. But the YSRCP and the BRS are driven by selfish politics, indifferent to the welfare of farmers and people in both the States,” he said.  

Recalling that former Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao had once remarked in the Assembly about reducing the Polavaram project height by a metre, he alleged that then A.P. Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy had not only failed to oppose it but had praised KCR instead.

Mr. Pattabhiram accused the two parties of acting in tandem, citing reciprocal displays of political bonhomie, including banners and public statements. 

“The NDA government in Andhra Pradesh believes in resolving inter-State issues through dialogue. The aim is to secure water for Rayalaseema without harming Telangana’s interests,” he said, adding,  “Why did the YSRCP government fail to effectively pursue clearances for the lift irrigation scheme when the National Green Tribunal (NGT) raised objections? Large-scale corruption took place in the name of the project.”

Appealing to the public not to be misled by ‘divisive propaganda’, Mr. Pattabhiram said only cooperative federalism and constructive dialogue could ensure the progress of both Telugu States.