Naidu warns Modi not to underestimate power of Telugus

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu on Friday warned Prime Minister Narendra Modi against playing with the sentiments of Andhra people, or risk disappearing into history.

His caution came while addressing a cycle rally in Amaravati, where he highlighted the injustice meted out to the state by Narendra Modi government.

Naidu led a three-kilometre cycle rally from Venkatayapalem village in Amaravati to the State legislative assembly at Velagapudi. His cabinet colleagues, including his son Nara Lokesh, besides several MLAs, MLCs and party leaders took part in the cycle rally. Naidu garlanded NTR statue and addressed the rally.

"The Centre is trying to weaken the state. It appears that Modi is underestimating the power of Telugu people. One must remember what happened to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who had tried to topple the NTR government in 1984. The perpetrator Congress party has gone into political oblivion by dividing the combined state. Modi will meet the same fate, if he plays with the sentiment of Telugu people," Naidu said. "Do anything but don't hit the Telugus below the belt," Naidu warned Modi.

Commenting on YSR Congress MPs' absence at Opposition's human chain protest in Parliament premises on Thursday, Naidu said it clearly showed the collusion politics of the Opposition party. "Their MPs never protest when PM Modi is around in Parliament. People of AP are watching their drama and will give a befitting reply in the ensuing elections," Naidu said.

Special Parl session

Later, the AP Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution demanding a special Parliament session to discuss all the issues related to the promises made to the residual state. "A special session is needed as the Centre has successfully evaded discussion on no confidence motion by  citing the  "din" in Lok Sabha," the CM pointed out. The AP budget session was then adjourned sine die.

On the other hand, CPI, CPI(M) activists and Jana Sena Party chief Pawan Kalyan, took out a "Padayatra" in Vijayawada demanding special category status.

Addressing the media, Pawan made it clear that he will not attend the proposed All Party Meeting called by Chief Minister Naidu.