VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister and TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday said attempts to revive regional animosity between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana would not succeed as people of the sibling States are mature enough to recognise who has contributed to development and public welfare.
Responding to remarks of some Telangana leaders against Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan, Naidu said such statements were unnecessary. “It has been 12 years since the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh. We have moved forward as two separate States. At this stage, attempts of certain leaders to provoke regional sentiments and create divisions would not succeed. People know who has worked for their welfare and development,” he said.
Addressing a press conference at the Secretariat, he pointed out that political leaders often campaign beyond their home States in a democratic country like India. “For instance, I have campaigned in Tamil Nadu elections. Leaders from various States have campaigned in different regions. Karnataka Congress leader DK Shivakumar has also participated in election campaign. Such democratic participation is common and should not be viewed through a regional lens,” Naidu observed.
Politics should be about development and public service, not division: CM
He further noted that the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) had itself expanded beyond Telangana, and established its presence in Andhra Pradesh while expressing national ambitions. “When political parties seek to expand across States, it is difficult to understand why some leaders object when leaders from other regions engage with people elsewhere. Such statements are neither appropriate nor constructive,” he said.
The Chief Minister emphasised that Telugu people have earned recognition and leadership positions across the world.”Telugu people are serving in constitutional and leadership roles in countries such as the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Across the world, individuals rise to leadership positions based on their service and capabilities.
Politics should be about development and public service, not about creating divisions among people,” he said.
Both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana should focus on growth, prosperity, and improving public services rather than engaging in unnecessary controversies, he stressed.
“Competition should be in development, governance, and service delivery. Leaders should strive to do more good for people rather than creating differences between regions. Both States must progress together. Creating controversies serves no one’s interests,” he added.
Referring to the YSRCP allegations on Mega DSC recruitment, the Chief Minister criticised the opposition, referring to it as the “Axe Party,” for allegedly resorting to baseless criticism and false campaigns instead of indulging in constructive politics.
“Some parties know only criticism and destruction. They are incapable of practising healthy and constructive politics.