TDP passes resolution seeking special status for AP

Tirupati: 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’ here this evening.

Government Chief Whip Kalva Srinivasulu moved the resolution and it was seconded by Anakapalli MP M Srinivasa 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.