Months before elections in Andhra Pradesh, former state minister and Tadipalligudem BJP MLA Manikyala Rao has resigned from his position, accusing Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu of neglecting development of West Godavari district and unfulfilment of promises made during elections.
Manikyala Rao had earlier resigned as Minister of Endowments following the TDP’s pullout from the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre. On Tuesday, Manikyala Rao sent his resignation letter to CM Chandrababu Naidu, asking him to resolve the pending issues pertaining to the district within 15 days.
Speaking to media following his resignation, he said, "Despite bragging much about Godavari district’s farmers, he (Chandrababu Naidu) has done nothing. There is no support price for paddy or aqua and horticulture products, no steps were taken to establish food processing units."
He further lamented that the assurances for modernising the delta region and establishing aqua university in the district are yet to be fulfilled.
Manikyala Rao also accused the CM of failing to fulfil 56 promises given to his constituency people. Asking the CM to send his resignation letter to the Assembly Speaker, he said, "If the CM does not respond in the next 15 days, I will start an indefinite fast on the 16th day. I am sending the details of your promises made to the constituency. I believe this neglect is happening since there is no TDP in this constituency. If you believe I'm an obstacle, remove me and fulfil the promises".
He also said that he will take out a march across the district and will continue to protest even if he is jailed by the Naidu government.
Responding to Manikyala Rao's resignation and threats of protest, Naidu said that he is concerned about developing the district. Naidu questioned Rao over his move and asked, "You didn’t resign when the Central government has not given funds to Polavaram project in your own district. You haven't resigned when they didn't give funds for NIT in Tadepalligudem. You are now doing cheap politics here by threatening to resign and protest."
While stating that he is committed to develop any constituency in the state as he his responsible, he advised the BJP MLA to go and protest in Delhi. He said, "Go and protest in front of Narendra Modi, who ruined this country, this state and suppressed this state.”
With general elections just months away, the political clamouring is taking on a new complexion every day. Chandrababu Naidu has been releasing a series of 'white papers' about the performance of his state in different sectors and on the Union government’s alleged hindrances.