KTR: Is Andhra Pradesh not a part of India?

While participating in a conference at Harita Plaza hotel in Begumpet today, TRS working president and IT Minister KTR had a lot of things to say about the development and opportunities that the Telangana Rashtra Samithi created for the employees of the state. He said that Telangana stands way ahead of any other state in the country, in terms of development.

At the same meeting, KTR also spoke about the backlash he’s been receiving after he pledged his support to the non-privatisation movement of the Visakha Steel Plant. A few days ago, KTR came forward to support the protests against the Visakha Steel Plant, by the people of Andhra Pradesh.

Following his support, KTR was at the centre of high criticism after he supported the Steel plant non-privatisation. Responding to this criticism, KTR said questioned all his critics, asking them why he shouldn’t support the steel plant movement and asked if the state of Andhra Pradesh is not a part of India.

KTR said that we are all first Indians, and then Telangana people, and said that if we do not support our neighbouring states and other states with their cause, then no one would support us in return when we really need their help. KTR said that letting the Center privatise the Visakha Steel plant without any opposition would put BHEL and Singareni in great trouble, as the Center would then probably even consider privatising these institutions.

As soon as KTR started to support the VSP, a lot of people started saying that this is a strategic move, as KTR is trying to attract all the graduates from Andhra Pradesh living in Telangana, considering that the graduate MLC elections are to be held soon. Political analysts say that the most interesting part about KTR’s support for VSP would be seen after the MLC elections are over, as he would then no longer require the votes of graduates.