India gets its 29th state, Telangana

Telangana came into existence as the 29th state of India today, capping the decades-old struggle in the region for carving out a separate state from Andhra Pradesh.

President's Rule imposed in united Andhra Pradesh was revoked partially to facilitate swearing in of a government in the newly-created Telangana headed by TRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao.

The Central rule would, however, continue in the residual AP until TDP Chief N Chandrababu Naidu takes charge as Chief Minister, which is likely on June 8.

A notification was issued early today revoking President's Rule in Telangana to facilitate Rao in taking charge as the first Chief Minister of the state, a Home Ministry official said.

Rao was sworn in as Chief Minister of newly-carved out state of Telangana.Eleven others were also sworn in as Cabinet Ministers by Governor E S L Narasimhan, who administered them oath of office and secrecy at Raj Bhavan.

The Cabinet included Rao's son K T Rama Rao and nephew T Harish Rao.

Nine other Cabinet Ministers are Mohammed Mahmood Ali, T Rajaiah, Nayani Narasimha Reddy, Eatela Rajender, Pocharam Srinivasa Reddy, T Padma Rao, P Mahender Reddy, Jogu Ramanna and G Jagadish Reddy.

The ruling TRS, other political parties and Telangana supporters have lined up a number of events in Hyderabad and elsewhere to celebrate the realisation of the decades-long dream.

TRS activists and supporters have already painted Hyderabad pink, the colour of TRS flag, by installing huge cut-outs, banners, festoons and balloons hailing their leader.

According to TRS sources, cultural programmes would be organised tonight and a dazzling display of fireworks would be held from mid-night at People's Plaza and Tank Bund at the picturesque Hussain Sagar lake to celebrate the occasion.

The journey towards achieving the goal of separate Telangana has been momentous and there have been a number of milestones in the saga.