Venkaiah harps on co-operation between AP, Telangana; promises full support

“Division of employees will be done strictly as per established procedures. Guidelines in this regard have also been drawn and necessary orders will be issued today,” he said.

Venkaiah stressed that the dream of a separate state of Telangana became a reality only because of the BJP.  “The Congress was forced into conceding the statehood demand only out of fear of the Modi wave. BJP had always supported Telangana in principle and promised to deliver the new state if it came to power. It was only to preempt that, the Congress carved out the new state,” he pointed out.  

Venkaiah, who landed in Hyderabad for the first time after taking charge as Union Urban Development Minister, was accorded a rousing reception at the Begumpet airport and brought to the state BJP office in a rally.

The former  BJP chief remarked that he was not so much enthused when offered the Union Cabinet post because “my heart is in the party”.

“I took political birth in the party and have risen in ranks to occupy many top posts, including the national president. I was more interested in serving the party,” he remarked. MPs-elect Bandaru Dattatreya, Kambhampati Haribabu and several senior leaders were present.