Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], July 10 (ANI): Telangana Working President KT Rama Rao (KTR) on Thursday criticised Andhra Pradesh BJP Chief PVN Madhav for gifting a map of United Andhra Pradesh to Minister Nara Lokesh, effectively erasing the state's existence.

KTR took to social media, expressing his outrage and demanding an apology from the BJP leadership for belittling Telangana's struggle and sacrifices.

In a post on X, KCR shared, 'Honourable PM @narendramodi ji, We have fought for generations for our cultural identity, our rightful place in history, and our geographical position - TELANGANA Today, your Andhra Pradesh state BJP chief; Madhav Garu, has belittled our struggle by gifting a United Andhra Pradesh map and ignoring the existence of Telangana This is absolutely unacceptable and reflects the blatant disregard to the people of #Telangana...to our state, and to our struggle, sacrifices of martyrs and history.'

The BRS party questioned whether the incident reflects the BJP's plan or political agenda, demanding clarification from the party leadership. KTR demanded an apology from the BJP leadership for disregarding Telangana's existence and history.

'What are we if our history is erased?! Sir, I request you to clarify whether this reflects your party's plan or political agenda If it's a genuine oversight, I demand an apology from your party leadership to the people of Telangana,' he added.

BRS leader Dasoju Shravan Kumar said that it is very unfortunate that both the BJP and the TDP have decided to end the existence of Telangana state.

'It is very unfortunate that both BJP and TDP have decided to end the existence of Telangana state. As seen in the photo, these persons are Nara Lokesh and PVN Madhav. In the photo, they dare to recognise Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, but not Telangana... We appeal to both parties to either publicly apologise, or the Telangana government and police should file a case against these two leaders,' he said.

Earlier in a post on X, Nara Lokesh said, 'The newly elected state BJP president, PVN Madhav garu, met courteously at the Undavalli residence. On this occasion, I honoured Madhav garu with a Mangalagiri shawl. We recalled the moments when we fought together in the Legislative Council on public issues while in the opposition. Madhav garu, known for his gentle nature, has a complete understanding of the state's issues. I expressed that we should work together for the comprehensive development of the state.'

PVN Madhav was elected as the BJP Andhra Pradesh President on July 1, and he assumed office on Wednesday.

The controversy has sparked a heated debate, with some speculating about the BJP's intentions and potential plans for the two Telugu states.

Minister Botsa Satyanarayana's recent comments about reunifying Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have added fuel to the fire. The Telangana government has been vocal about protecting the state's interests, and the issue is expected to continue dominating the political discourse. (ANI)