Andhra Pradesh

Old friends, indeed

GOTTIPADU (GUNTUR DT.): It was one of those gubernatorial visits that this octogenarian of Gottipadu village has been eagerly waiting for. Guntupalli Venkateswara Rao has been popular person in this village as a freedom fighter and had a long stint as Munsib. But, the lesser known fact is that he has been a close friend of Governor Narayan Dutt Tiwari for over five decades. They were active members of the erstwhile Swantatra Party and toured the entire length and breath of the country spreading the ideals of Jayaprakash Narayan. On Wednesday, Mr. Rao had an opportunity to meet his old pal, when the Governor laid the foundation stone for works pertaining to the Rural Water Health Scheme and sanitation worth Rs.30 lakh. They both exchanged pleasantries and Mr. Rao introduced his wife Subbamma to the Governor. Back at their home, all arrangements were done as per prior schedule at their home for the special guest. “I have met him while he was sworn as Chief Minister of Uttaranchal and met him again at Raj Bhavan, while Mr.Tiwari was sworn in as Governor. He was a versatile personality and promised to visit my home,” Mr. Rao reminisced. However, they were disappointed as the Governor had to wind up the visit soon after the official programme. It was already evening and the Governor Office staff politely told Mr. Rao that the scheduled meeting could not take place as the helicopter had to take off before it gets dark. Mr. Rao returned home a bit disappointed.

However, as a compensatory gesture, Member of Parliament Rayapati Sambasiva Rao and Transport Minister Kanna Lakshminarayana visited his home and had refreshments. The chopper carrying Governor took off from a makeshift helipad shortly after 5 p.m.

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