Andhra Pradesh

On first day of 'Mahanadu', TDP passes resolution for Andhra special status

Written by : PTI

Telugu Desam Party has requested the Centre to accord special category status to Andhra Pradesh and fulfil all commitments made in the AP Reorganisation Act-2014. 

A resolution to this effect was unanimously adopted at TDP's three-day annual conclave 'Mahanadu' in Tirupati on Friday evening. 

Government Chief Whip Kalva Srinivasulu moved the resolution and it was seconded by Anakapalli MP MSrinivasa Rao and Bobbili MLA Sujaya Krishna Ranga Rao. 

"The Centre should necessarily grant special category status to Andhra Pradesh in accordance with the promise made by the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the floor of the Rajya Sabha in February 2014. The Centre should also implement all provisions of the AP Reorganisation Act and do justice to the state," Srinivasulu said. 

The Anakapalli MP said they are waging a struggle "without compromise" till special category status is achieved. "BJP should co-operate with us in this regard," he added. 

Chief Minister and TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu said he discussed the issue every time he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 

"When I met him last on May 17, I requested him to grant special category status. He assured me that he would call me to New Delhi again and do justice," Naidu said. 

He, however, reiterated that special category status is no panacea and said, "How much have the 11 states that now enjoy special status developed? Nothing." 

He claimed some political parties in the state are raising the issue and provoking people. 

"They are alleging that I have compromised on the special status issue, but I will never compromise with anyone," Naidu said. 

He also informed that since special status alone would not be sufficient, they are requesting the Centre to also grant a special financial package for the state. 

"We need Centre's handholding till we develop on par with other states," the Chief Minister added. 

The resolution was then unanimously adopted by the delegates. Later, Guntur MP Jayadev Galla said they would present the resolution adopted at the 'Mahanadu' to the Centre for necessary action.

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