Kiran, Chiranjeevi hit out at each other over bifurcation

“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.

“Had he accepted this proposal, the state division would not have happened,” Chiranjeevi said, speaking in Visakhapatnam today.

In Vijaywada, Kiran reacted, saying, “That's the problem with film stars....they just read out a written script. It's a pity that Chiranjeevi doesn't even know the facts. I became the Chief Minister only in November 2010.

“You were a good hero but now you are playing a comedian's role,” Kiran said.

As Chiranjeevi kept up his diatribe against Kiran, the cricketer-turned-politician, who is conducting a roadshow in Krishna district, said, “It is better if he (Chiranjeevi) stops talking. If I open my mouth, he will have to scurry for cover.

“(As) The one who read out from a piece of paper while talking on the AP Reorganisation Bill in Rajya Sabha, Chiranjeevi has no right to criticize me,” Kiran added.