Pranab asks AP, Telangana to settle differences

Suresh Dharur

Tribune News Service

Hyderabad, July 3

In the backdrop of an ongoing bitter war of words between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh over various issues, the President Pranab Mukherjee today counselled them to “work in close harmony” for the betterment of the people.

“We need to remember that we can choose our friends, but cannot choose our neighbours. Therefore, it is for us to decide whether we should live in harmony and peace with our neighbours,” he said while speaking at a book release function here.

The President’s unambiguous message of peace comes in the midst of a growing ruckus between the two states over a wide gamut of post-bifurcation issues, including sharing of river waters, power, assets and control over Hyderabad.

Stating that the region was very important due to its development in the spheres of IT and education, Pranab asked both states to work in harmony to ensure sustainable development and betterment of the people.

“We must remember that we all belong to India,” the President said after receiving the first copy of a Telugu book “Uniki” (Existence) authored by Maharashtra Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao. The Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao released the book.