Special status Not Possible, But Centre Firm on AP Development: Venkaiah Naidu

New Delhi: Union Minister of Urban Development, Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation and Information & Broadcasting Venkaiah Naidu said that special category status can’t be awarded to Andhra Pradesh, but the NDA government is committed on all-round development of the State. He criticized the Congress Party over the way united AP was bifurcated.

In the wake of criticism emerging from opposition parties after announcing financial package for AP, Venkaiah Naidu spoke to the media here on Thursday. He said: “We have included seven mandals from Telangana into AP in our first Cabinet meeting. The NDA government is also committed to bridging the revenue deficit in the next five years. According to the 14th Finance Commission, 42 percent of the revenue should be allocated to States. Because of 14th Finance Commission, it becomes impossible to award special status to AP. Andhra people should understand this constitutional aspect. Polavaram is lifeline for Andhra people. Previous Congress government didn’t say anything about this project. But, as soon as BJP came back to power, we have included Polavaram in the bill and approved it as well.”

Venkaiah Naidu further ruled out misunderstandings among the State regarding funds allocation. “The Centre will complete the Polavaram project with total fund support. Railway zone for AP is under Railways Ministry’s active consideration,” said Venkaiah Naidu, while ruling out the criticism of opposition parties as baseless allegations.