The chief minister Mr KCR who visited Chandigarh addressed a packed auditorium where he went to console the bereaved families of farmers and soldiers.
With his emotional speech, he stole the hearts of the people and leaders there. “This is not an auspicious occasion. This is not a meeting to be held even after 75 years of independence,” he thus began his speech.
He said the loss suffered by the farmers and soldiers who lost their lives cannot be compensated but on his behalf and on behalf of Telangana people, he came to console them and offer little solace.
Aam Admi Party founder and New Delhi chief minister Mr Aravind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Mr Bhagawanth Singh Mann, chief secretaries of Punjab and Telangana, and a host of leaders were present on the occasion. They listened to Mr KCR in rapt attention.
Mr Rao lamented the state of affairs prevailing in the country and the plight of farmers all over. He said the Centre had forced his state to fix agricultural meters to assess the power consumption of farmers and charge them for the use of power. He said he refused to do so come what may. He said his government decided to give free power to farmers.
Mr KCR said there is an urgent need for an alternative agenda that makes the lives of the people of the country happy and prosperous. He said he was on that mission.
Later, he distributed the cheques of Rs 3 lakh to each of the families of farmers who lost their lives during the recent farmers’ agitation and Rs 10 lakh each to families of five soldiers who lost their lives fighting the Chinese soldiers in Galwan valley.
Earlier in the day, New Delhi chief minister Mr Aravind Kejriwal invited Mr Rao for lunch at his residence, and later both proceeded to Chandigarh.
Upon his return to New Delhi in the evening, Mr Rao was scheduled to meet a host of retired IAS and IPS officers, economists, and national media persons to share his views on the present political scenario of the country and future course of action needed.
By Gollapudi Srinivasa Rao