Chief minister Chandrababu Naidu cautioned people against being carried awayby alarmist rhetoric on special category state status. Today, he made a statement on the status of demand with regard to the TDP government on floor of the House. The statement clearly targeted the Opposition party which is projecting the special status as life and death problem of AP. Naidu appealed to the people not to get disturbed and distressed by the alarmist rhetoric.

Excerpts of the the statement.

1

The act of taking one’s life is truly a tragedy because this single act leaves so many victims: first the one who dies, then the dozens of others families and friends—who are left behind, some to face years of deep pain and confusion. The living victims struggle, often desperately, with difficult emotions. Nothing is more valuable than human life. I request the people to be not carried away by emotions or helplessness. This matter shouldn’t be politicized.

2

The undemocratic and hasty manner in which the Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha led to outrage among the public of Andhra Pradesh and opposition parties mainly BJP and TDP. The vociferous demand by the opposition, especially BJP and TDP, in the Rajya Sabha, forced the UPA government to make some assurances.

3

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh announced a special package for Andhra Pradesh in a debate in the Rajya Sabha on the AP Reorganisation Bill which created Telangana state by bifurcating Andhra Pradesh. Manmohan Singah said “for purposes of Central assistance, Special Category Status will be extended to the successor state of Andhra Pradesh comprising 13 districts, including the four districts of Rayalaseema and the three districts of north coastal Andhra for a period of five years. This will put the state’s finances on a firmer footing.”

4

However, the then UPA government has not incorporated the above assurances in the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014. My government has been continuously pursuing with the present Central Government for implementation of the provisions contained in Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act and all the promises made by the then Prime Minister on the floor of the Rajya Sabha. Latest memorandum submitted in this regard to the Prime Minister is annexed with this statement.

5

We continue to demand that central government to fulfill the commitment made by the Prime Minister on the floor of the Parliament and include our State in the Special Category States list. Along with the Special Category Status, I have requested for tax incentives for industrialization, Special Development Package, grants for bridging the resource gap pertaining to the 2014-15 Financial Year, Financial Assistance to the new Capital City, Assistance for development of Rayalaseema and North Coastal districts.

6

I once again appeal to the people of the state not to be disturbed and distressed by the alarmist rhetoric. My government will strive to protect the interests of the state. Let us all strive together to fulfill the aspirations of the people of Andhra Pradesh.