Hyderabad, Nov 1: Andhra Pradesh celebrated the 53rd anniversary of its formation Sunday but the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) observed it as "betrayal day" and vowed to divide the state. Chief Minister K. Rosaiah led the celebrations by unfurling the national flag at a function held at the NTR Stadium here while TRS chief K. Chandrasekhar Rao separately hoisted a black flag and said his party would split the state later this month. A colorful parade and cultural programs highlighting the rich Telugu culture were held as part of the statewide celebrations. 

In his speech, Rosaiah declared that his government would continue to tread the path of former chief minister Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy, who died in a helicopter crash Sep 2. Rosaiah said his government would work to follow the ideals of YSR by continuing both welfare and development schemes. The chief minister began the day by offering floral tributes to 'Telugu talli' or mother Telugu statue at Necklace Road. He also paid tributes to leaders who made sacrifices to achieve a separate state for Telugu people. The main opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Praja Rajyam Party and several other parties also celebrated the day by unfurling the national flag and remembering the leaders who fought for a separate state for Telugus.