States and Centre should work together: Venkaiah Naidu

VIJAYWADA: Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu today said states and the Centre should not criticise each other but work together, days after Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed displeasure over allocation of central government funds and other issues.

The Urban Development Minister's comments are seen as further indication of the widening rift between alliance partners BJP and TDP, both in the state and at the Centre.

"States and the Centre should work together. There is no point criticising each other," the Union Urban Development Minister said at a function organised by women entrepreneurs.

Last week, Chandrababu had expressed displeasure over the Centre's attitude on the demand for special category status to the state, allocation of funds for the Capital construction, division of government employees between AP and Telangana and related issues.

Chandrababu had asked Union DoPT Secretary Sanjay Kothari to convey his feelings to the Prime Minister.

Without naming the AP CM, Venkaiah said there was no point in "criticising" the Centre.

"It is Team India and development is the only agenda. States and the Centre should work together," the Union Minister remarked.

He said he was trying his best to get justice done to the two Telugu states (AP and Telangana).

Later talking to newsmen, Venkaiah, referring to his remarks, suggested that the states refrain from criticising the Centre.

Asked if his comments were made in the context of Chandrababu's critical remarks, he said, "I have no person in mind."

Notably, the Union Minister also made certain comments about "hereditary politics", while addressing the women entrepreneurs.

"I am against hereditary politics. Character and calibre are the essential requirements in politics," he said.

Venkaiah's remarks come in the backdrop of a campaign launched by Telugu Desam Party leaders seeking induction of Chandrababu's son Nara Lokesh in the AP Cabinet.