KCR weighing options

hief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao is yet to decide on his presence at the foundation stone laying ceremony of Amravati, the new capital of Andhra Pradesh.

A day ahead of AP Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu planning to visit the residence of his Telangana counterpart to extend a personal invitation, Mr. Rao, it appears, has been consulting his well wishers and senior party functionaries on what to do about the October 22 event.

Sources told

The Hindu that there were two views within his party. One is that it would be good gesture to attend the function as the important leader of neighbouring State. But, another section reportedly felt that it would be embarrassing for the Chief Minister to be present at the event where Prime Minister Narendra Modi could make some significant announcement in favour of A.P. “If there is some key announcement by the Prime Minister, then Mr. Rao can do little in such a situation,” sources said pointing out that the Chief Minister had not made up his mind. But, overwhelming suggestion that is being put forth is to send a high-level delegation of Ministers to represent the TRS Government. It is understood that the Chief Minister, in the event of skipping the programme, could direct either of the Deputy Chief Ministers - K. Srihari or Mohammed Mahaboob Ali - to lead the delegation.

It is said that the Government would avoid asking Ministers - K.T. Rama Rao or T. Harish Rao - to be part of the delegation.

There is also a talk that leaders from Telangana may avoid the Amravati event in view of Dasara, which is celebrated on a big way across the State. The BJP leadership from Telangana is likely to attend the programme. The AP Ministers have so far invited BJP State president G. Kishan Reddy and party legislators – Dr. K. Laxman and others. Mr. Reddy could lead a delegation of legislators and party seniors. Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee president N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, CLP leader K. Jana Reddy and working president Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka are unlikely to participate in the ceremony as the Andhra unit of the party is campaigning vigorously against the TDP Government. Invitations have been extended to the CPI, CPI (M) and MIM leadership too.

Telangana Congress leaders are unlikely to participate in the ceremony