Assert or pull-out from NDA coalition: Ambati Rambabu

Reiterating that Chandrababu Naidu should assert himself in the interest of the state or pull-out from the NDA coalition, YSR Congress has said that the Centre throwing crumbs as assistance is an insult to the Telugu people.

‘If TDP cannot mount pressure in getting what is due in the capital formation, filling up of revenue deficit, funding of backward districts and Polavaram project, Chandrababu Naidu should boldly pull out of the NDA coalition to safeguard the self respect of Telugu people,’’ party spokesperson Ambati Rambabu told reporters here on Friday.

It was Chandrababu Naidu who has said that the new capital needs Rs 4 to 5 lakh crores and Polavaram, which remains to be the lifeline of the project, was declared a national project. The Centre has assured to fund both but for the mismanagement of TDP which has placed personal gains ahead of state interests.

The revenue deficit budget was inflated time and again and the Centre has cut it to size and put strictures besides passing snide remarks that the amount is being diverted and has regulated it which shows the lack of confidence the Centre has with the State government.

The Centre has sanctioned 1,976 crores, which is a paltry amount against the amount sought, of which Rs 1,176 crores is to bridge the revenue gap. Rs 350 crore was sanctioned for the seven backward districts and Rs 450 crore for the capital formation. Polavaram funding would come in the second installment and was not included in the first tranche released which shows the apathy Centre has towards the State.

At least now, Chandrababu Naidu has to assert himself and mount pressure on the Centre to get more funds which include all sops mentioned in the State Reorganisation Act besides special status or else quit the coalition as the Telugu people were being badly treated by the Centre by sanctioning such meager amounts, he said.

Despite such a shabby treatment, Chandrababu Naidu meekly expressing disappointment but not talking in a stern tone shows that he is placing personal agenda ahead of state’s interests.

The criticism that our Party wanted to replace TDP at the Centre is ridiculous and a very weak alibi to cover-up TDP misdeeds, he said adding that YSR Congress has never compromised on any issue unlike Chandrababu Naidu.

Besides stating that capital formation needs Rs 5 lakh crores the revenue deficit was pegged at 21,000 crores after jacking up the figure many times and what we got was a fraction of it. Rubbing salt to the injury was the remark of Centre that the amount sanctioned was not properly accounted for and is not being put to proper use and the funding of seven backward districts was scaled down drastically.

The five year term of Chandrababu Naidu would be crossing the half time and it is time to assert as Telugu pride is at stake and we are ready to join the fight in getting more Central funds, he said