Modi tried to create rift between me and KCR: Naidu

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and Telugu Desam Party president N Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been trying to create a wedge between him and Telangana CM K Chandrasekhar Rao.

“The prime minister in his reply to the debate on TDP's no trust move has deliberately said that Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao has maturity but I don’t. Is it not a fact that I became chief minister of combined AP years before Modi became CM of Gujarat,” he said while addressing TDP Telangana workers here at NTR Trust Bhavan.

He said he was pained that a prime minister of a country can stoop to this level. Remembering Atal Bihari Vajpayee as a statesman, he said that even though he differed with him on several issues he was never vengeful.

Unite to fight BJP

Demanding fulfilment of assurances given by the Centre for both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Naidu said he was asking for equal justice for the states. “I have visited New Delhi 29 times, asking for the implementation of the Bifurcation Act. The NDA government cheated both the Telugu states,” Naidu said wondering why the TRS government is not demanding for its rightful share.

Alleging that the BJP is trying to create a divide in the society by attacking the food habits of a section of people in the country. “The BJP tells you what to eat and what not to eat, and how to dress. The triple talaq bill is too coercive making a differentiation between men of two religions. Is this the way to unite a country?” he asked.

'Can’t be Telangana CM'

On the issue of much-speculated alliance with the Congress, Naidu made no direct references but said that he will leave such issues to the decision of the local leadership. “Many Telangana leaders asked me to become Telangana CM. But you know it is not possible. But I want the local leadership to make decisions, grow and lead,” Naidu said.

However, sources in the party say that Naidu is not averse of joining hands with the Opposition to form a “Maha Ghatbandhan” in Telangana with the Congress. They say that the idea is at a very nascent stage.