Andhra, Telangana CMs meet to iron out differences

Andhra Pradesh and Telangana chief ministers Sunday met in the presence of Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan to iron out their differences on various issues between the two states.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and his Telangana counterpart K. Chandrasekhar Rao reached Raj Bhavan after 12 noon for their first formal meeting to discuss the issues arising out of the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh since they formed governments in June.

The meeting, expected to last a few hours, is being held at the initiative of the governor.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary I.Y.R. Kishna Rao, his Telangana counterpart Rajiv Sharma, Andhra assembly Speaker Kodela Sivaprasada Rao, his Telangana counterpart Madhusudhan Chary and some other officials also attended the meeting, official sources said.

Before the meeting, Naidu said they would discuss issues relating to the bifurcation of employees in the Secretariat and directorates in Hyderabad.

The two states are locked in a bitter tussle over several issues including bifurcation of employees, sharing of electricity and water and admissions in professional colleges.