Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao on Thursday advised his Andhra Pradesh counterpart Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy to focus on harnessing Godavari river water, asserting that it was the most immediate task ahead of the newly-elected Chief Minister.
The Chief Minister, who participated in the swearing-in ceremony of Mr. Reddy at Vijayawada on Thursday, opined that the new government should ensure 100% utilisation of Godavari water as it was the lasting solution for some of the problems facing the State.
The two Telugu States – Telangana and Andhra Pradesh – were already facing problems on account of Krishna river water and they should intensify efforts to ensure optimum utilisation of every drop of water.
At the same time, the focus should be on harnessing Godavari water which was available aplenty and the Telangana government was prepared to give whatever cooperation needed to the neighbouring State in this direction, he said. The Chief Minister, who had been displaying bonhomie with Mr. Reddy, said the two governments should coordinate effectively to ensure accelerated development of the two States.
“This (the ascent of Mr. Reddy as Chief Minister) is a glorious moment for the two States. It will lay the foundation for the people of the two States as well as those settled outside to join hands in their accelerated progress,” Mr. Rao said.
The Chief Minister said it was not the time to cross swords against each other, but to shake hands and act in unison for the welfare and development of the two States.
He said the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister was relatively young, but the responsibility that had been cast upon him was immense. But Mr. Reddy had proved his capacity to deliver, going by his perseverance in the political arena that made him overcome all the obstacles and achieve the desired results. “Hopefully, the legacy inherited from his father late Y .S. Rajasekhara Reddy will help Mr. Jagan to propel AP to new heights,” he said. Mr. Reddy’s rule would not be confined to one term, but would extend to three or more terms so that he could utilise the opportunity to serve people.