Governor ESL Narasimhan never likes to mince words. As a senior civil servant, he knows how the politics work and the government functions. As Governor of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, he supervised one of the most acrimonious bifurcations ever in Indian history. He guided both the chief ministers in resolving contentious issues. But, there was one sore note. While Telangana CM KCR was amenable, the then AP Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu tried to create issues and stir up controversies. One a couple of occasions, Narasimhan made his displeasure public. But, Chandrababu did not care to listen to him. What more, he openly criticised the Governor on several occasions.

On the occasion of the farewell function organised at Vijayawada on Monday, the governor openly praised chief minister Jagan Mohan Reddy. He praised his initiatives and quipped that Jagan has been hitting fours and sixes in the last two months and proved himself. He also lauded the steps taken by Jagan to develop places like Ahobilam.

It appeared that more than praising Jagan, the governor was actually pointing out at Chandrababu Naidu's failure. Indirectly, he was suggesting that Chandrababu should have done what Jagan is doing now. He also praised Jagan for maintaining cordial relations with his Telangana counterpart. This again is a barb directed against Chandrababu. Chandrababu never got along well with KCR during his tenure.