This Article is From Apr 15, 2014

KCR urges Telangana voters to 'throw out Andhra parties'

KCR urges Telangana voters to 'throw out Andhra parties'
Hyderabad: Andhra Pradesh is voting undivided in the national election - its bifurcation will take place formally on June 2.

But in Telangana, the region to be carved out as India's 29th state, the man who's likely to get the most seats has a clear message for his supporters. In one speech after another, K Chandrasekhar Rao, known for his gripping speeches and razor-sharp slashes at opponents, urges voters to "throw out" what he tags as "Andhra parties."

Bulls-eye for KCR is Chandrababu Naidu, who heads the Telugu Desam Party or TDP and is expected to perform strongly in what KCR brazenly tags as "the other side" which will form the residuary state.

"Chandrababu Naidu says he won't go from here. Why? What work does he have here?'' challenged KCR, as he is known, at a rally two days ago. Another question: "In Telangana, do we need Chandrababu Naidu's 'Andhra' party? Whoever disagrees, raise your hand and stick to that stand."

KCR fronted the campaign for statehood for Telangana - in February, Parliament cleared the proposal to split Andhra Pradesh - and his Telangana Rashtra Samithi or TRS is likely to be rewarded in the coming state and national election.

The Election Commission is examining his speech to determine whether he violated rules. "We are investigating what language was used, whether it creates hatred among people of the two regions. If it does, we have to take cognizance and take action," said Bhanwar Lal, the Chief Electoral Officer.

Chandrababu Naidu said KCR's comments reflect a desperation to polarize the vote on regional lines. "People are losing confidence in the TRS," he alleged. Mr Naidu has tied up with the BJP for the election, and the combination is likely to perform strongly in Seemandhra, placing Mr Naidu within striking distance of the Chief Minister's Office of the new and downsized Andhra Pradesh.

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