Andhra governor asks people to act maturely

HYDERABAD - Amid the movement for statehood to Telangana, Andhra Pradesh Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan Wednesday used the 62nd Republic Day to urge people to act with maturity and maintain peace.

At a time when protagonists of separate Telangana state are disrupting “Racchaband” - a public interaction programme launched by the government - and preventing ministers and MPs from attending it, the governor called upon people to eschew violence.

“I appeal to all sections of people to act with maturity and maintain peace and public order and eschew violence in all forms,” Narasimhan said in his address at the 62nd Republic Day at Parade Grounds in Secunderabad here.

The governor said peace and public order were critical to continue the development in IT and ITES sectors and to attract new investment.

He hoped that Andhra Pradesh would continue to make rapid economic growth.

He listed various welfare measures taken by the government.

He said the government was spending Rs.2,300 crore during the current year to provide scholarships to 46 lakh students belonging to Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe and minorities.

Earlier, the governor hoisted the national flag and reviewed a colourful parade. Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy, his cabinet colleagues and senior civil and military officials were present.

Military establishments, police, Home Guards and National Cadet Corps participated in the parade. Tableaux by government departments highlighted the development and welfare schemes in the state.

Deputy Speaker Nandendla Manohar hoisted the tricolour at the state assembly while legislative council chairman A. Chakrapani attended the celebrations at the council building.

Leader of opposition N. Chandrababu Naidu hoisted the tricolour at the TDP office in Guntur.

BJP leader M. Venkaiah Naidu hoisted the flag at the party office here.