Jagan to meet PM on Feb 12 over 'three capitals' issue

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy is rushing to New Delhi on Wednesday for a crucial meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the backdrop of ongoing political developments in the state.

According to the CM's Office, the Chief Minister will fly to New Delhi at 12.45 pm soon after the state Cabinet meeting and hold a meeting with the Prime Minister from 4.10 pm to 6 pm.

"We have been trying for the PM's appointment for some time now and suddenly we were informed today about the meeting tomorrow," sources in the CMO said.

The "three capitals" issue apart, the abolition of the state Legislative Council will be top on Jagan's agenda for his discussion with Modi, the sources said.

It may be recalled that the Chief Minister's idea of having three capitals for the state kicked up a political storm in AP and also triggered an agitation by farmers of the current capital region Amaravati, who have been staunchly opposing the relocation of the capital.

With the Legislative Council, where the opposition TDP is in a majority, blocking the relevant Bill for having three capitals, the YSR Congress government passed a resolution in the Legislative Assembly seeking abolition of the Upper House of the state Legislature.

Since the Centre has to enact an enabling legislation in Parliament for abolition of the Council, the Chief Minister is said to be keen on taking up the issue with the Prime Minister for "expeditious action".

The Chief Minister is also expected to explain to the Prime Minister his government's plans to "decentralize the administration" as such, particularly moving the seat of power