Occultist matters never seem to be far from the minds of the politicians, irrespective of the State of their relations, especially if they happen to be two warring Chief Ministers K Chandrashekar Rao and N Chandrababu Naidu. Both avowed followers and believers of Vaastu Shastra, the two CMs discussed it during their rare encounter at State Governor ESl Narasimhan’s home on Republic Day.
KCR and Naidu, otherwise at loggerheads over several issues, spoke with bonhomie. The Telangana Chief Minister who was of late in the news for changing plans of various Government buildings as per the advice of Vaastu Pandits and experts lauded his AP counterpart's choice of location for the new capital — Tullur in Guntur district.
Though difficult and hot issues, like the tug of war over who should conduct the common entrance test for professional courses and who should get how much water and power, were on the plate, and Governor was wondering how to break the ice between the two CMs, KCR found the occasion fit to bring Vaastu up in the conversation.
Tullur, on the banks of river Krishna has perfect Vaastu and it will end the woes of Andhra Pradesh, KCR told Naidu. Naidu, conscious not to appear focused only on the matters occult, replied that the place was chosen keeping all the angles in mind. “We have decided this place keeping all the aspects in mind. The new capital will be built as a world class city,” he said.
The Governor, who urged both the Chief Ministers to resolve the issues between them amicably by sitting together, later told the media that both the Chief Ministers had agreed to meet again. Significantly Naidu and KCR have met only at the gatherings organised by the Governor of both the States. Earlier, they had come together on Independence Day when the Governor had organised meet at home.
“Both the Chief Ministers are happy. Everything is fine. We are all together,” the Governor said. Presently both the States were locked in a tussle over conducting Eamcet, the common entrance test for engineering and medical colleges. Both were insisting that they had the right to conduct the same. In an attempt to break the logjam, the Governor suggested the two States conducting the test alternate years.
KCR broached his favorite subject of Vaastu Shastra when he was planning another move of his official residence and this time his eyes were on the building next door. He wants to move official residence of Chief Minister to the building which presently houses the office of State IAS officers Association. Despite protest from the association, the Government was moving ahead with the plans as the Chief Minister was apparently told by the Pandits that it was not good to have IAS officers association at a higher elevation than the CM's office as it will lead to former dominating the latter.
The Association building and surrounding area is spread over four acres and its lease was extended to 33 years in 2000. But the sources said that the State Government has decided to cancel the lease and turn it in to the residence and camp office of the Chief Minister as KCR was not satisfied with the present residence.