Jagan, Ministers fete Governor E S L Narasimhan

Vijayawada: Governor of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana states E S L Narasimhan said the people of Andhra Pradesh showed love and affection for him and his family during his long tenure of nine-and-a-half years as the governor of the state.

He recalled his association with the state and its people. He was speaking at a programme organised by the state government to felicitate the outgoing Governor at a hotel here on Monday night.

Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, Chief Secretary L V Subramanyam, ministers, DGP Gautham Sawang and others participated in the farewell function.

Jagan Mohan Reddy felicitated the Governor by wrapping up him with a shawl and presenting him with a bouquet and an idol of Sri Venkateswara Swamy on the occasion.

The newly-appointed Governor Biswabhusan Harichandan will assume charge on July 24.

Addressing the gathering, Narasimhan recollected his childhood in Andhra Pradesh saying that he had studied in Atkinson High School in Vijayawada and his residence was in Governorpet.

"As a government officer, my association started with the state very long ago when I worked in Tirupati, Kadapa, Prakasam district and other places of Andhra Pradesh. I did not imagine that one day I would be appointed as Governor of Andhra Pradesh," he said.

Referring to the state and the new government, he said Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy had a fabulous team and hoped he would give a good administration to the people.

"I stayed for a very long time in the state, nine-and-a- half years, and the people of Andhra Pradesh have shown a lot of affection towards me and my wife Vimala for that I am very grateful to them,' he added.

He also said, "Knowingly or unknowingly, I may have made mistakes and I am asking the people of Andhra Pradesh to excuse me," said Narasimhan.

Heaping praise on Jagan, the outgoing Governor said he observed 34 days of Jagan's rule. "He is following four rules i.e. the debate, discussion, dissent and decision. It is a very good practice," he said and suggested that the Chief Minister follow the same procedure in future also.

He said he was very supportive of Jagan because he was his son's age and wished that his governance lasted long.

Narasimhan compared the five year term of Chief Minister as cricket match and suggested that Jagan hit fours and sixes in the initial stages of the rule and consolidate his position as the Chief Minister and again hit boundaries and sixes in the final period of the governance.

Responding to the blessings and suggestions of the Governor, Jagan said Narasimhan was always supportive and had played the role of his father in giving guidance.

He said that he had association with the Governor for the last 10 years and was feeling sad part with him. Jagan thanked the Governor for his support to the development of Andhra Pradesh.

Later, the Governor and CM along with cabinet ministers, senior officials took part in dinner.