While the opposition parties are making moves to ignite sentiment among people on the issue of Special Category Status (SCS) to Andhra Pradesh, the ruling TDP is now concentrating on bring pressure on the Centre providing legal sanctity to special package announced by the Centre in lieu of SCS.

The TDP Parliamentary party has decided to exert pressure on the Centre on this issue. Though, the Opposition parties are still demanding SCS for the State and the principal opposition YSRCP even announcing that its party MPs would resign for the cause of SCS, the TDP MPs have decided to give up the demand for SCS to pressurise the Centre for according legal sanctity to special package.

The TDP MPs, who called on Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu at the Interim Government Complex at Velagapudi last evening, have discussed the party strategy to be followed in both the houses of Parliament. Union Minister of State for Science and Technology YS Chowdary asserted that the TDP will demand legal sanctity to special package announced for the State.

“SCS is a closed chapter as per the recommendations of Niti Aayog. That is why, we will insist on legal sanctity to special package,” he said and exuded confidence on securing the same by February 15.

Another MP TG Venkatesh opined that the State had no other option but taking those benefits being offered by the Centre. “As the BJP has a clear majority and is not depending on its allies, it is always wise to remain friends with the BJP and get more benefits for the State instead of resorting to confrontation with the Centre, he observed.

Sources said that during the meeting with MPs, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu had suggested to them to explain to the public about the benefits to be accrued with special package to prevent the Opposition parties from misleading the public in the name of SCS.