Naidu made the statements on Wednesday amid escalating tensions between the two Telugu states following a sharp response from Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Working President KT Rama Rao to Pawan Kalyan’s “estate” comment. The Chief Minister emphasised that leaders from any state possess the democratic right to campaign anywhere and insisted that political rivalry should prioritise public service and development rather than creating divisions.

“The remarks made against Pawan Kalyan in Telangana are not a good approach. Such statements should not create unnecessary problems. It has been 12 years since the bifurcation. We are now two separate states. Some leaders in Telangana cannot incite hatred by raising these issues now. People know who has done what for each region. Some leaders in Telangana are making unnecessary comments,” Naidu said.

He compared this situation with political activities across the country, noting his own recent campaigning in Tamil Nadu elections and the participation of leaders from various states, including incoming Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.

“I recently campaigned in the Tamil Nadu elections. Leaders from across India, including Karnataka leaders, participated there. Even DK Shivakumar came from Karnataka. Telangana has both the Congress and the BRS parties. BRS declared itself a national party and even expanded into Andhra Pradesh, saying it would grow further. I do not understand why they are speaking like this now. It is not correct,” he said.

Naidu also highlighted the achievements of the Telugu community globally, stating that leadership is determined by service rather than geographical or regional identity.

“Telugu people hold constitutional positions in the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, and many other countries. Our people are serving in leadership roles across the world while working within the constitutional frameworks of those countries. Those who serve people effectively become leaders in their respective regions. Competition should be in development and public service. The focus should be on providing better services to the people,” he added.

The controversy arose after Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan criticised certain Telangana political leaders, questioning their authority to restrict his access to Hyderabad and asserting that the city does not belong to any individual.

At a press conference, Kalyan responded to alleged threats from local politicians, stating: “A few leaders are saying how I will enter Hyderabad. Is Telangana your father’s place? Who are you to threaten me?”

He expressed dissatisfaction with the 2014 bifurcation of the state, suggesting it lacked respect for both regions.

“Our grievance is that the state division was not done with dignity and Telangana state was not given properly,” Kalyan said.

Responding to Kalyan’s remarks, KTR asserted that Telangana belongs to its people.

“One thing Pawan Kalyan must remember… Without a doubt, Telangana is the estate (Jaagir) of these sons of the soil and the 4 crore people living here. You are always welcome to stay, come, and live here. Your families are here, your businesses are here… stay, who is stopping you? Has there been even a minor issue anywhere in the last 10 or 12 years? Even though we separated as regions, we always wished to remain united as people,” KTR said.