In a move that has sparked considerable interest within political circles, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has reached out to his Telangana counterpart, Revanth Reddy, seeking a meeting to discuss issues arising from the Reorganization Act. The proposed meeting is set for July 6, a Saturday afternoon, at Mr. Reddy’s residence. The political dynamics of an NDA Chief Minister engaging directly with a Congress leader have set off a flurry of speculation about potential collaborations between the two states.
Naidu, in his letter to Reddy, emphasized the importance of addressing the implications of the Reorganization Act for the welfare and progress of both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. “There have been multiple discussions concerning issues arising from the Reorganization Act, which hold significant implications for the welfare and advancement of our states. It is imperative that we address these issues amicably with utmost diligence and resolve. In light of this, I propose that we meet at your place on 6th July, Saturday afternoon,” Naidu wrote.
The carving out of Telangana from Andhra Pradesh ten years ago has placed the latter and its leadership in a challenging position, especially as the joint capital arrangement for Hyderabad reaches its end. Andhra Pradesh is yet to establish a new state capital, with Naidu’s ambitious Amaravati project stalled for the past five years due to actions taken by his predecessor, Jagan Mohan Reddy.
The political landscape in Telangana has shifted significantly with the decline of K Chandrasekhar Rao’s Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), presenting an opportunity for Naidu to bolster his presence in the neighboring state. For Naidu, who has long sought to strengthen his party, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), in Telangana, this opening is critical.
However, the history between Naidu and Revanth Reddy adds layers of complexity to this interaction. Before joining Congress, Reddy was a prominent figure within the TDP and a close aide of Naidu. Their association became notably contentious during the 2015 note-for-vote scandal, in which Reddy was jailed for allegedly acting as Naidu’s emissary, purportedly offering ₹50 lakh to a nominated member of the assembly to secure a vote for the TDP.
Despite these past controversies, Reddy has been building a reputation for forging alliances across party lines. During a recent visit to Delhi, he met several BJP leaders, including party chief JP Nadda. His congenial interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whom he referred to as “Bada bhai” (elder brother) during Modi’s visit to Telangana in March, raised eyebrows. Reddy explained his stance by emphasizing the need to maintain friendly relations with all political figures to support his state’s growth.
The potential meeting between Naidu and Reddy is poised to address critical issues and could lead to collaborative projects between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. As both leaders navigate their political landscapes, this interaction might pave the way for significant developments, not just for their states but also for their political careers.
Sources By Agencies
