BJP confirms: No special status To Andhra Pradesh State?

The BJP AP unit has made it clear that the benefits coming under Special Category status will be given to the state but not the tag. “As per the 14th finance Commission observations, no state needs be accorded the status as the devolution of funds has been substantially increased and as a result the tag will no longer be required for any sort of special monetary benefits,” a top leader of the party told Deccan Chronicle.

BJP confirms: No special status To Andhra Pradesh State

Speaking on the sidelines of Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) awareness meeting, the leaders said it is not fair on part of their ally TD to build pressure on the Centre for special status in the name of public demand”. “Let us not forget the fact that Centre is giving its best in the present circumstances. Technically speaking, the special status parameters are being met. The financial package is being given as per the promises made and also proposals submitted by the government. In such a case, why should there be insistence on the tag?” D. Purandeswari, president of BJP Mahila Morcha and former Union minister asked.

The CM was told by PM Modi that AP will get all its due that were promised in the Reorganisation Act. Finance minister Arun Jaitley also told Andhra Pradesh MPs that benefits will be given and not the special tag. In such a case, how can Mr Naidu speak something in Delhi and act differently in Hyderabad.

The BJP leaders also expressed their displeasure over the resolution passed by the Assembly recently. “Mr Naidu has met PM Modi with a lengthy dossier putting in all the demands as well as the special category status. He was told by the PM that AP will get all its due that was promised in the Reorganisation Act.” “Finance minister Arun Jaitley also told AP MPs that benefits will be given and not the tag. In such a case, how can Mr Naidu speak something in Delhi and act differently in Hyderabad?” a senior leader on condition of anonymity asked.

Meanwhile, BJP National secretary and AP in-charge Siddarth Nath Singh asked partymen to work towards strengthening the base so that party can win more seats in the next Assembly elections. “TD is our ally now but you have to think of 2019. Make a door-to-door campaign to promote the programmes of Narendra Modi government” he said.