As the BJP-led NDA prepares to assume power in Andhra Pradesh, with TDP supremo N. Chandrababu Naidu slated to be sworn in as the CM on Wednesday, Congress posed a question to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking clarity on granting special category status to the state.
Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh took to his official handle on X to share a speech he delivered in the Rajya Sabha seven years ago. In the speech, he highlighted the Modi government’s “failure” to fulfill the promises outlined in the AP Reorganisation Act of 2014.
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“I made this speech in the Rajya Sabha seven years ago, about the Modi Government’s failure to deliver on the promise of the AP Reorganisation Act of 2014. Unfortunately, it still holds true today,” he said, adding, “Unless (Chandrababu) Naidu garu takes this issue up aggressively, there is little hope that the ‘one-third’ Pradhan Mantri will act.”
He further outlined five key issues that the Prime Minister should provide clarity on: “Will the Prime Minister deliver the special category status for Andhra Pradesh as promised in the holy city of Tirupati in March 2014?” he asked.
“Will he release the pending funds for the Polavaram Multipurpose Irrigation Project? Will he halt the privatization of the Vishakapatnam Steel Plant that his government has pioneered?” he queried.
He further asked if the PM would activate the new South Coast Railway zone, slated to be headquartered in Andhra Pradesh. Lastly, he questioned, “Will he finally sanction the various commitments made in the AP Reorganisation Act – including the Kadapa Steel Plant, Duggirajupatnam Port, the Kakinada Petro complex, and an Agricultural University for the state – that he has dragged his feet on for ten years?”
Meanwhile, the TDP chief took oath at 11:30 am near Gannavaram Airport in Kesarapalli on the outskirts of Vijayawada. Alongside Naidu, Janasena chief Pawan Kalyan, the TDP supremo’s son Nara Lokesh, and 22 others also took the oath.
According to NDA sources, Pawan Kalyan has been offered the post of Deputy Chief Minister. Janasena is set to receive three cabinet berths, while the BJP will be offered one. In the 175-member Andhra Pradesh Assembly, the cabinet can accommodate 26 ministers, including the Chief Minister.