Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh deputy chief minister Pawan Kalyan on Monday said that the borders between Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka cannot separate the people of the two states, as they share deep cultural and social bonds. Speaking at Amrutha Mahotsav, an event organised to celebrate the 75th birthday of former supreme court judge Justice V Gopala Gowda at Chintamani in Chikkaballapur district of Karnataka, Pawan emphasised the need for strong cooperation between both the states in areas like water management, pilgrim facilities, and cultural exchange.He said that the Andhra Pradesh govt would work closely with Karnataka to improve amenities for devotees from Karnataka visiting the Srisailam temple, which draws thousands from both regions each year. Pawan Kalyan recalled Justice Gopala Gowda’s contributions to the judiciary and his role in several key judgments related to medical negligence, workers’ rights, and land acquisition cases. He noted that the judge’s ruling ensuring restoration of employment in wrongful dismissal cases became a benchmark for labour rights.Pawan said that Justice Gopala Gowda took a strong stance for protecting farmers’ land rights, stressing strict implementation of Section 24(2) of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013, which mandates returning land to farmers if compensation is unpaid for five years.Justice Gopala Gowda, in his address, urged both states to address water scarcity issues in the Kolar–Chikkaballapur belt and expressed appreciation for Pawan Kalyan’s inclusive vision beyond political boundaries. Union minister of state V Somanna, Kolar MP B Mallesh Babu, and several dignitaries attended the celebration, marking a moment of unity between leaders from both Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.
