Chandrababu Naidu decries Centre’s war talk

Amaravati: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu wondered why the Centre had declared war on Andhra Pradesh. He pointed out that AP was only seeking handholding for development of the residual state.

“Why this grudge against AP. Don’t give us troubles and humiliate us. Our request is implementation of all the provisions in AP Reorganisation Act,” Naidu said. The Chief Minister also asked the Union government why it was not allowing no-confidence motion in Parliament.

Speaking in the Assembly on Tuesday, Chandrababu Naidu described the present situation in the State - the differences between TDP and BJP as third crisis. “I had seen two crises - August crisis and State bifurcation crisis-earlier and now this is the third crisis,” Naidu said. He said that while Andhra Pradesh was asking for handholding for development of the State, the Centre was talking about war on the State. 

The Chief Minister questioned why the Centre was going back on its earlier assurance on the Special Category Status to AP. He said the TDP had forged an alliance with the BJP in 2014 hoping that it would implement all the promises made in AP Reorganisation Act including providing the Special Category Status and help in the State’s development.

“Even the Congress party made declaration in favour of SCS to AP. All parties are expressing concern over injustice and extending support to AP. But, the Centre is not allowing discussion on the no-confidence motion in Parliament,” he pointed out.

Making indirect reference to Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan, the Chief Minister said. “They (BJP) were provoking some people against me when I demanded for SCS. He (Pawan) is making corruption allegations over execution of Polavaram Project. The Polavaram Project was given to state only based on recommendations of NITI Aayog.

I never asked for the execution of Polavaram,” he clarified. Referring to comments of Pawan that there were differences between Chandrababu Naidu and Modi, the Chief Minister advised Pawan not to have bad dreams. He also asked the Jana Sena chief not to resort to negative comments over sensitive issues if he really wants to protect the interests of the State.

The Chief Minister said the NDA government was extending special status incentives to several other States and denying the same to AP at the same time. He said that when AP was marching ahead in growth rate leading to economic growth of the country, the Central govt has been creating hurdles for the development of the State. He warned that the Central government would be at a loss if it continues to create hurdles and humiliate AP.