'Why wasn't AP CM Naidu invited to World Telugu Conference?' TDP slams Telangana govt

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) on Monday lashed out at the Telangana government for failing to invite Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu for the ongoing World Telugu Conference in Hyderabad.

"It is sad that Chandrababu has not been invited to the WTC. (Telangana Chief Minister) K Chandrasekhar Rao has divided the Telugus into Andhra and Telangana-ites. Ignoring the legend NT Rama Rao, the pride of Telugu people, is also an insult to the entire Telugu community. It doesn't look like the World Telugu Conference but KCR Telugu Conference. Looks like it is organised only to showcase KCR's Telugu literary skills," TDP MLC and spokesperson YVB Rajendra Prasad said in a statement.

The World Telugu Conference (WTC) began on a colourful note in Hyderabad on December 15 as Telugus from across the world gathered to discuss preservation and promotion of the language.

Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu formally inaugurated the five-day event at a glittering ceremony at Lal Bahadur Stadium.

Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh Governor ESL Narasimhan and Maharashtra Governor Vidyasagar Rao addressed the inaugural session.

The inaugural also saw classical dance by 30 artistes, highlighting the rich Telugu culture. There was also a laser show and fireworks to mark the beginning of mega literary and cultural event.

More than 8,000 delegates from both the Telugu-speaking states, other parts of India and 42 other countries are attending the WTC being organized by the Telangana government. The participants include well-known Telugu poets, writers, literary figures and artistes.

This is the first World Telugu Conference after Telangana State was formed in 2014.

Police had made elaborate security arrangements with the deployment of 3,000 personnel in and around the stadium.

Meanwhile, the Conference is scheduled to come to an end on Tuesday, with President Ram Nath Kovind set to arrive in Hyderabad for festivities on the closing day.

IANS inputs