 "Kiran, Chiranjeevi attack each other over bifurcation")
The slanging match between Union Minister of State for Tourism K Chiranjeevi and former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh N Kiran Kumar Reddy over the state bifurcation turned more acrimonious today.
While Chiranjeevi held Kiran responsible for the division, the latter hit back saying that the actor-turned-politician was speaking like "a comedian".
Chiranjeevi also accused Kiran of corruption.
"Kiran let AP be divided only to protect his Chief Minister's position. He was fully aware of the Centre's plan and hence was solely responsible for bifurcation," he said.
Kiran, who quit the Chief Minister's post protesting the bifurcation and subsequently floated Jai Samaikyaandhra party, countered, pointing out that he gave up his post when the Centre went ahead with the bifurcation process.
"It was Chiranjeevi who ran from pillar to post in Delhi for the CM's post, after I resigned," Kiran alleged.
During the Congress's bus yatra in north coastal Andhra in the last two days, the Union Minister sharpened his attack on Kiran, accusing him of corruption.
"It was way back in January 2010 that (Congress chief) Sonia Gandhi told Kiran of the plans to constitute regional development councils for Telangana and other backward regions of the state, but he stoutly opposed the move. Sonia herself told me this," Chiranjeevi said.
While Chiranjeevi held Kiran responsible for the division, the latter hit back saying that the actor-turned-politician was speaking like "a comedian".
Chiranjeevi also accused Kiran of corruption.
Also Read
The exchange began two days ago when Chiranjeevi, now the AP Congress campaign committee chairman, sought to project all other parties as villains over the state bifurcation but singled out Kiran for an especially vitriolic attack.
"Kiran let AP be divided only to protect his Chief Minister's position. He was fully aware of the Centre's plan and hence was solely responsible for bifurcation," he said.
Kiran, who quit the Chief Minister's post protesting the bifurcation and subsequently floated Jai Samaikyaandhra party, countered, pointing out that he gave up his post when the Centre went ahead with the bifurcation process.
"It was Chiranjeevi who ran from pillar to post in Delhi for the CM's post, after I resigned," Kiran alleged.
During the Congress's bus yatra in north coastal Andhra in the last two days, the Union Minister sharpened his attack on Kiran, accusing him of corruption.
"It was way back in January 2010 that (Congress chief) Sonia Gandhi told Kiran of the plans to constitute regional development councils for Telangana and other backward regions of the state, but he stoutly opposed the move. Sonia herself told me this," Chiranjeevi said.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
SAVE 25%
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Subscribe
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
SAVE 25%