Chandrababu Naidu hoists tricolour in Kurnool

Kurnool (Andhra Pradesh), Aug 15: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu Friday hoisted the national flag in this town to mark the first Independence Day celebrations after the state's bifurcation.

Kurnool was the capital of erstwhile Andhra State, which was merged with Telangana to form Andhra Pradesh Nov 1, 1956. Telangana became a separate state June 2 this year.

Naidu hoisted the flag at the impressive ceremony held at APSP Ground. He reviewed the colourful parade and addressed the gathering which included his cabinet colleagues and top officials.

Fourteen contingents of police and 15 tableaus took part in the march past. Schoolchildren presented cultural programme.

The Independence Day celebrations were held in Kurnool amid demands to make the town the capital of Andhra Pradesh. The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) is reportedly planning to have the capital between Vijayawada and Guntur in coastal Andhra.

Kurnool served as the capital of Andhra State which was carved out of then Madras State Oct 1, 1953. The town had hosted Independence Day celebrations till 1956 when the capital was shifted to Hyderabad.

Though Hyderabad has been declared as common capital of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, Naidu chose Kurnool for the Independence Day celebrations.

At Lake View Guest House, Naidu's office in Hyderabad, a senior official unfurled the national flag.

IANS