Nara Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday became the first chief minister of the new state of Andhra Pradesh heralding a new phase in Andhra politics. Keeping up his pre-election promise, Naidu signed the first file as CM appointing a committee to look into the modalities of waiver of agricultural loans. But this, in effect, means the loan waiver will be implemented after the committee submits its report. The panel has been given 45 days' time. This is the third time Naidu has been sworn-in as CM.
Sixty-five-year old Naidu took oath of office and secrecy at a mega political show at the sprawling 70-acre ground at Nagarjunanagar between Vijayawada and Guntur amid cheers by lakhs of party supporters and a host of Union ministers and CMs of various states. Naidu, who described himself as `No. 1 coolie,' also announced increase in the retirement age of government employees from 58 years to 60 and abolition of all belt (illegal liquor) shops.
This is perhaps the first time that a swearin-gin ceremony has been arranged on such a grand scale by the government. Governor ESL Narasimhan administered him the oath at the auspicious hour of 7.27 pm. BJP top leaders, including L K Advani and Union home minister Rajnath Singh were present while Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who could not attend, sent his greetings. The governor also administered oath to 19 ministers, including two deputy chief ministers, and three women ministers. Kapus got the lion's share while minorities were ignored.
Party workers burst crackers and other fireworks specially brought from Mumbai for the occasion. The entire night sky between Vijayawada and Guntur wore a festive look with fireworks.
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