The Governor, who met President of India Pranab Mukherjee, UPA Chairperson and Congress president Sonia Gandhi and members of Group of Minister (GoM) on Telangana on Wednesday, had a series of meetings with other important functionaries of the Central Government on Thursday. He held deliberations with the officials of Prime Minister’s Office here although the details of what transpired during the meeting could not be ascertained.

Prior to the meeting with the PMO officials, the Governor met Union Minister Kavuri Sambasiva Rao and discussed the latest situation in Andhra Pradesh. He also scheduled to meet Defense Minister AK Antony and AICC Vice-President Rahul Gandhi. Sources say that the Governor might also meet Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh on Friday after the latter returns from the foreign tour.

Sources say that the Governor, who is on a three-day tour, discussed the modalities of bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh and formation of Telangana State.

The Congress-led UPA Government, which looks determined to bifurcate Andhra Pradesh, wants to ensure that the Telangana Bill gets passed in Parliament during monsoon session. However, with changing political situation in the State, the journey of Telangana Bill up to the Lok Sabha would not be smooth. Therefore, imposition of President’s Rule is being explored as a possible option to facilitate the formation of Telangana State although this possibility was ruled out by several leaders including Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde.

- INN

At the main function held at Parade Grounds, Governor ESL Narasimhan unfurled the national flag and took salute to an impressive parade. He listed out the welfare schemes of the State Government and described the SC, ST Sub-Plan Bill as a path breaking move.

Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy, his cabinet colleagues, officials and non-officials participated in the programme.

Andhra Pradesh legislative Council Chairman A Chakrapani unfurled the national flag at the Council while Speaker Nadendla Manohar and his deputy Bhatti Vikramarka hoisted the tri-colour at the Assembly premises.

At the Lok Ayukta, Justice Sunbhashan Reddy was the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations.

The day was celebrated at all the political party offices.

The national flag was unfurled and leaders called upon the cadre to rededicate themselves for nation building works. M Venkaiah Naidu (BJP), E Peddireddy (TDP), Nayani Narsimha Redddy (TRS) and other leaders participated in the programme.

- INN