Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu said to be disappointed again Union Cabinet again failed to give its nod to Special Package to the state, in its meeting held yesterday. After acceding Centre’s U-turn from fulfilling its commitment towards according Special Category Status (SCS) to the state, he accepted special package in that place. But now he seems to be restless towards Centre’s delaying tactics in according legal entitlement for this assurance.
Naidu has been making hectic efforts for the last two months to get nod of the union cabinet for this package, to counter opposition accusations that he has been compromising with the Centre on state interests. Earlier, he expected this issue would come before the cabinet on February 15. But, it was postponed as some ministries are yet to complete their exercise. In yesterday’s meeting among three issues on the agenda, the cabinet was differed only on this issue.
According to reports, when the issue of special package came up for discussion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi suggested to proceed for the next item in the agenda, as now it may not be discussed. Sources close to BJP said that Modi may felt it would be suicidal for the party to take up such issue in the middle of UP polls.
Naidu is said to be commented with some of is ministers that the Centre again resorted to deception. As the second phase of Parliament budget session will commence from March 9, it is felt it would not be possible for the Centre to take up the issue for the next two months.
Till now Chandrababu Naidu and his ministers are trying to convince the people that they succeeded in getting special package, that was not accorded to any other state and that derives more benefits to the state than SCS. However, many TDP leaders felt that the Centre is adopting delaying tactics on this issue also.
In the recent parliament session, several AP MPs questioned the government on the issue of special package. Without making any firm commitment, the government only said that relevant note is being prepared and a decision would be taken soon. No time frame was also mentioned.
