A different experience for Naidu

In what could be an embarrassing encounter, leaders of Congress elucidate him on need for unified Andhra

It was a different day for Telugu Desam Party president N. Chndrababu Naidu on Wednesday. The visitors brought some embarrassing moments and a few cherishing moments for him.

In what could be termed an embarrassing encounter, the leaders of opponent Congress elucidated him about the need for unified Andhra. The Pradesh Congress Committee Doctors’ Cell leader Gangadhar met Mr. Naidu in the latter’s bus. Later, the TDP leader did not entertain any person who championed unified Andhra cause.

Recalling the TDP leader’s letter to the Centre on statehood for Telangana, Dr. Gangadhar said that Mr. Naidu served as chief minister of the State for nine long years and was well aware of the problems associated with bifurcation and advantages of unified Andhra.

The TD leader was urged to support the unified Andhra in the interest of State, he said. Communist Party of India (CPI) State secretary K. Narayana and his associates visited the camp site to inquire about Mr. Naidu’s health.

“There’s nothing political. After all, we are old pals. We are friends from college days,” said Mr. Narayana, adding, “We asked him to follow the doctors’ advice. But, he seems to be determined to continue the padayatra.”

The hike in power tariff, and fuel surcharge adjustment (FSA) were some of the issues that came up for discussion during the meeting. The TD leader also agreed that the hike was steep and burden on the commoner, he said.

CPI district secretary Akkineni Vanaja, senior leaders Suryadevara Nageswara Rao and Palla Venkat Reddy, city secretary Donepudi Sankar and others were present.

TDP senior leaders Yanamala Ramakrishnudu, Dr. Kodela Sivaprasada Rao, Dadi Veerabhadra Rao, Mylavaram MLA and TDP district president Devineni Umamaheswara Rao, Jaggaiahpeta MLA Sriram Rajagopal, Nandigama MLA Tangirala Prabhakar and others discussed the party affairs with Mr. Naidu.