Gujarat Chief Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Narendra Modi on Sunday backed the creation of Telangana State even as agitations against a separate State reached a high pitch in the city.

Narendra Modi, who was in Hyderabad to flag off the BJP’s campaign for 2014 general elections, said “the BJP has been committed on Telangana State. But development of Seemandhra region is equally important. My aim is to develop Telangana and Andhra States on the lines of Gujarat.’’Observing the need for harmony between the two States that are to be created, Modi hoped that the new capital for Seemandhrawould see greater development than Hyderabad.

Modi’s speech was also marked by an attempt to strike bonds with the Telugus and Hyderabad. The crowd cheered when he spoke in Telugu for five minutes initially, highlighting the bond between the Telugus and Gujaratis. “We have many Telugu medium schools in Gujarat and I love this beautiful city,’’ he said.

“Hyderabad’s Liberation Day is September 17, which is also my birthday,’’ Modi pointed out. while addressing the gathering at the fully-packed Lal Bahadur Stadium.

Criticising the policies of the Congress-led UPA Government at the Centre, Modi said the youth in the country were worried about their future.

On the recent killing of five Indian soldiers by the Pakistan Army, Modi said it was unfortunate and painful. He said the UPA Government cannot provide security to the nation, as it is neck deep in vote-bank politics.

The BJP also announced that Rs 10 lakh, which was collected as registration fee for attending the meeting, would be donated to the victims of Uttrarakhand flood victims.

>Naga.gunturi@thehindu.co.in

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