Thaindian News

Hyderabad, Aug 15 (IANS) Amid tight security, Andhra Pradesh celebrated the 64th Independence Day with Chief Minister K. Rosaiah declaring that he would continue the welfare schemes launched by his predecessor Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy.
Enthusiasm and patriotic fervour marked the celebrations across the state. Rosaiah led the celebrations by unfurling the national flag at the main official function at the Parade Grounds in Secunderabad.

Hoisting the tricolour for the first time after taking over as the chief minister, Rosaiah vowed to continue the welfare schemes launched and implemented by his predecessor.

The veteran leader, who assumed office Sep 3 last year following the death of Rajasekhara Reddy in a helicopter crash, announced a four-pronged strategy to plug leakages in welfare schemes like rice at Rs.2 a kg, community health insurance, free electricity to farmers, pensions for old aged and handicapped, scholarships and fee reimbursement.

Rosaiah, who took the salute and reviewed the colourful parade by contingents of police forces, delivered his speech while sitting on a chair as he has not been keeping good health for last few days.

Paying tributes to Rajasekhara Reddy, Rosaiah recalled that his death 17 days after he hoisted the national flag Aug 15 dealt a huge blow to the state. The state also faced crisis after crisis following his death. He, however, claimed that state’s revenues had now started improving.

Stating that the government would continue to give top priority to agriculture, Rosaiah hoped a bumper crop this season thank to good rains.

“The state can develop and prosper only if there is peace and people extend their full cooperation,” he said in an obvious reference to the movement for separate statehood to Telangana.

Police had made massive security arrangements at the Parade Grounds in view of terror threats.

Like last year, a Telugu television channel received an e-mail in the name of an unknown terror group threatening attacks on Independence Day. It also claimed that Rosaiah was its target.

At Gandhi Bhavan, the headquarters of ruling Congress party, president of party’s state unit D. Srinivas unfurled the tricolour.

Assembly speaker N. Kirankumar Reddy unfurled the tricolour in the assembly premises.

Telugu Desam Party (TDP) president and former chief minister N. Chandrababu hoisted the national flag at NTR Trust Bhavan, the party headquarters.

Celebrations were also held at the offices of Praja Rajyam Party, Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) and Lok Satta parties.