Andhra CM makes fresh demand for special status

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday lashed out at the Central Government for not fulfilling the promises made in the state reorganisation act.

While addressing the Kia Motors installation programme at Anantapuram district, the Chief Minister accused the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party of not allocating adequate funds to the state.

He demanded the Centre to give hand holding to the state until it developed at par with the other South Indian states.

He refused to compromise in terms of the resources given to the state and claimed to develop at a great speed, provided the state was given a special status.

He said, "Andhra Pradesh would have witnessed greater development had it been provided special status and its revenue deficit would be covered by the centre".

Further, dwelling on the demand of the special status, the Chief Minister pointed out at the low per capita income of the state and further compared it to South Korea.

He said, "The state has the least per capita income among all the southern states. Though, due to the constant hard work of the citizens, the situation has greatly improved since 2014".

He added that " South Korea is a small nation but as the countries went on to set up the industries there, it grew manifold. Similar steps could be taken for the welfare of Andhra Pradesh".

Post the Union Budget session, the Andhra Pradesh ruling government Telugu Desam Party and the opposition Yuvajana Shramika Rythu Congress Party had criticised the budget for ignoring the interests of the state, including the unified demand for granting a 'special status' to the state.