Telangana’s Minister of Labour and Employment, Ch Malla Reddy, claimed that only Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) could complete projects in Andhra Pradesh. He made these comments at a meeting in Hyderabad on May 1. According to Reddy, caste politics dominate Andhra Pradesh politics and that no leader in that state is considering people’s aspirations. He accused Andhra politicians of being engaged in caste-based politics and said, “It is Reddy, Kamma and Kapu politics in Andhra.”
Reddy also said that only KCR could save the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP), and complete the Polavaram irrigation project because “others do not have the capability.” The Telangana government had earlier announced its interest in participating in the Expression of Interest (EoI), following the Centre’s decision to divest its stake in the company but it has so far stayed away from the process.
Andhra Pradesh Social Welfare Minister Merugu Nagarjuna hit back at Reddy’s comments, saying, “We never interfered in their state affairs. It is better if they bother about themselves.” Nagarjuna also blamed Telugu Desam Party chief and former CM Chandrababu Naidu for leaving behind assets belonging to Andhra Pradesh in Telangana.
