KCR meets Governor; stakes claim to form govt. in Telangana

Telangana Rashtra Samithi president K. Chandrasekhar Rao on Sunday met Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan and formally informed about his election as the legislature party leader. The party had taken the Governor’s appointment immediately after the election on Saturday afternoon.

Mr. Rao arrived at the Raj Bhavan, accompanied by over 20 newly elected MLAs, at 11.30 am in six gleaming black Toyota Fortuner – 500 vehicles that were placed at his disposal by the police last night. A road clearing party of the police drove ahead of the convoy of vehicles, including a jammer that Mr. Rao is entitled to as the Chief Minister.

Sources said Mr. Rao had a one-on-one meeting with Mr. Narasimhan for about ten minutes. This was preceded by a brief interaction in the midst of the entire team of Mr. Rao when they discussed the events as part of Telangana agitation.

Mr. Narasimhan, sources added, recalled how the protestors raised “go back” slogans against him but Mr. Rao requested him to ignore the past as an elderly person. Then, the Governor replied that he was perhaps the oldest of all those present on the occasion.

It was also stated that Mr. Rao brought to the notice of Mr. Narasimhan the power shortage that was likely in Telangana on account of higher demand and low generation in the region. In this regard, he sought Mr. Narasimhan’s intervention to see that the generation which was on the higher side in Andhra Pradesh was shared with Telangana. In his inimitable style, Mr. Narasimhan quipped, “you are yourself a power centre, why do you require power?.”

Sources also said there was no mention of government formation in the collective discussion because the visit was not at the Governor’s invitation which was the standard procedure on the eve of swearing-in ceremonies of Chief Minister-designate.

Mr. Rao drove away without meeting the waiting media persons outside the Raj Bhavan but senior leader Eatala Rajender gave them the sound bytes saying their visit was a mere formality after yesterday’s election. Mr. Narasimhan was explained the existing situation.

To a question, Mr. Rajender said the swearing in of the new government would take place without any delay as soon as the new State came into being on June 2.

The police stepped up Mr. Rao's security last night, inducting the bullet proof SUVs, and posting two officers of the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police to head his escort party. A large team was also posted at the party office and residence.