Andhra Pradesh DCM visits state to receive four Kumki elephants

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan arrived in Karnataka recently to participate in a special event organized by the State Forest Department at Vidhana Soudha. During the ceremony, he was handed four Kumki elephants to Andhra Pradesh. Addressing the gathering, Pawan Kalyan spoke in Kannada, praising the state by saying "Jaya He Karnataka Maate"  

The event was attended by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, ministers including Eshwar Khandre, Dinesh Gundurao, George, and Bhairathi Suresh among others. Pawan Kalyan began his speech by referring to Karnataka as the birthplace of India’s culture, and saluted the people of Karnataka. He used several lines from the renowned Kannada poet Kuvempu and made a special effort to speak mostly in Kannada.

Pawan Kalyan recalled his visit last year when he met CM Siddaramaiah to discuss the handover of the Kumki elephants. He expressed his gratitude to CM Siddaramaiah, Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar, and Minister Eshwar Khandre in Kannada for facilitating this transfer.

He said, “Though we come from different political backgrounds, when it comes to people’s welfare, we stand united. I thank the Karnataka government led by Siddaramaiah. Karnataka has stood by Andhra Pradesh like a brother state. I also take full responsibility for the care and management of these Kumki elephants. This is the first step in strengthening the bond between Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.”

He further highlighted the joint responsibility to curb illegal sandalwood smuggling and mentioned agreements signed with Karnataka for training and other projects related to the Kumki elephants. Pawan Kalyan also extended thanks to Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu for supporting the initiative.