Continuing his show of defiance, the Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy has made it clear that he would not allow division of Andhra Pradesh "as long as he is the Chief Minister" of the state.
The assertion came during the negotiations he held on Wednesday with the representatives of AP Non-Gazetted Officers' Association (APNGOs).
While expressing solidarity with the cause of united of AP, Kiran told the APNGO leaders that he would do everything possible within his means to keep the state united.
"I will not allow splitting of the state as long as I am in this chair," he said.
However, the Chief Minister appealed to the striking employees to call off their agitation in view of the severe hardship being caused to the people.
Kiran explained in detail how the common public are bearing the brunt of the shutdown and how even the essential services like hospital care, drinking water supply and public transport were severely disrupted due to the strike.
He urged the employees to at least suspend the stir and cooperate with the government in restoring normalcy.
The Chief Minister assured that he was with them as far as the commitment to keep the state united is concerned.
He also said that in view of the approaching cyclone and the need for rescue and rehabilitation works, the employees should withdraw their strike and get back to their duties.
While assuring that they would extend the help in times of emergencies like cyclones and floods, the APNGO leaders, however, asserted that the strike would continue till the Centre gave a categorical assurance to keep the state united.
