BJP suggests Andhra leaders focus on development, dismisses charges

The BJP on Saturday described as "propaganda" the charges made by Andhra Pradesh MPs from TDP, YSRCP and Congress in Parliament and urged these leaders to focus on development rather than politicising the issue.

Addressing reporters here with Andhra Pradesh BJP President K. Hari Babu, BJP spokesperson G.V.L. Narsimha Rao assured that the Central government will make all funds available as per commitment and much more.

"The state must harness the talent, entrepreneurial genius and technological prowess of its citizens to 'Make Andhra Great Again!' This is the vision people expect from its leadership. Make no mistake, no state has ever developed because of centre's help or special status or package. ... Dear leaders of AP, Focus on state's development and keep politics aside," Rao said.

He added that Andhra Pradesh had received utmost priority and importance contrary to the claims made by the state leaders during first half of the budget session of Parliament.

MPs from Andhra Pradesh cutting across party lines agitated in both Houses of Parliament demanding "justice" for their state and the implementation of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act in its "true spirit" throughout the first part of the Budget session and even disrupted Parliament over it.

As the TDP is an ally of the ruling BJP government at the centre, the relation between both the parties have been strained over the issue after presentation of Union Budget.

Rao said that the BJP has a special heart for the Andhra Pradesh and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party President Amit Shah have shown extreme interest in ensuring that the state gets all that it deserves.

Hari Babu said that the BJP is fully committed to Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act and it is sincere to implement it.

He said that in a meeting held on Friday, the major issues related to the demands of the political parties have been sorted out.

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, in his reply to the budget discussion said on Friday that BJP has always been for justice to Andhra Pradesh ever since its bifurcation and the Central government is gradually fulfilling commitments made to Andra Pradesh at the time of bifurcation while new demands are being looked into.

He said that many works related to the state's development were "at a very advanced stage" and that various central ministries have been asked to look into and take "early decisions" related to various demands of the state.

--IANS

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