Former Minister and MP Konathala Ramakrishna expressed his fears that according Special Category Status (SCS) to be dismissed as yet another `political jumla’ (gimmick) by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Asserting that SCS with tax incentives was Andhra Pradesh’s legitimate right, he noted that the so-called package announced by the Centre was nothing, but the funds that are routinely coming to the State.

In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister on the eve of Budget session of the parliament, he urged Narendra Modi not to perceive BJP promises to Andhra Pradesh as yet another ‘political jumla’ and cautioned that in the event of it being a ‘jumla’ being played on the people, the latter would be forced to take to the streets to take what is morally, rightfully and legally theirs.

In this regard, he said he was compelled to talk about Modi’s promise during 2014 election campaign about bringing back black money from abroad and depositing Rs 15 lakh in each and every bank account. Thereafter, he said Modi’s close aide, confidante and BJP party president Amit Shah dismissed that promise as a ‘political jumla…’

Therefore, he said he is increasingly frightened that what Modi’s repeated promise while campaigning in AP that he would fulfil each and every assurance made in Parliament would be dismissed as yet another ‘political jumla.” The former minister said that the people of Andhra Pradesh were amazed by the speed and sense of purpose Modi displayed in agreeing to an Ordinance when the Jallikattu protests were at peak, but remained silent on issues related to AP.

In fact, he said that the AP people find their hope kindled afresh that Modi would consider that precious three years have been lost and hence he would act speedily in granting us the Special Status with tax incentives to AP, including the package for the backward regions of Uttarandhra and Rayalaseema.