KCR visit to Amaravati: a new phase in AP-Telangana ties in offing

Among scores of dignitaries who will be attending the foundation stone laying ceremony of AP’s new capital, Amaravati, on Thursday, one will perhaps will attract most attention. He is Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao.

His presence will be significant given the nature of ties between the two States since the bifurcation in June 2014. The two chief ministers have been at loggerheads on issues ranging from sharing of river waters to power.

Chandrasekhara Rao, a former minister in the cabinet of Chandrababu Naidu before he set up his own party, Telangana Rastra Samithi (TRS), has never let go of an opportunity to criticise the Telugu Desam Party and its chief.

The relations between KCR and his former ‘mentor’ reached an all time low after the alleged bribing of TRS legislator by TDP for cross voting in the council polls and the release of tapes reportedly with the voice of Naidu in June this year. Cases have been booked on the two chief ministers in both the States.

It was only after this incident that AP Chief Minister began to spend more time in Andhra Pradesh, claiming that there was no safety for him in Hyderabad.

Change of heart

But all this changed dramatically when Naidu went in person to invite the Telangana Chief Minister to Amaravati for the ceremony a couple of days ago, a first-of-its kind meeting between the two leaders without the presence of ESL Narasimhan, Governor for AP and Telangana.

A cordial welcome and a “friendly” interaction between them for about 45 minutes raised eyebrows as well as expectations.

The presence of Chandrasekhar Rao in Amaravati can make a qualitative difference in the relationship between the two States in key issues such as division of employees, sharing of power and water. Telananga, a land locked State, may seek better collaboration with Andhra for economic growth while Amaravati might need Hyderabad for mentoring. More importantly, this might also put an end to the political bad blood between the people of the two States. But competition for investments is inevitable between the two.

We will have to wait and see if the bonhomie between the two leaders will continue in the days to come.