Andhra Pradesh Special Status

(K. SAI KIRAN)

Finally, the cat is out of the bag as far as the ‘special status’ of Andhra Pradesh is concerned. With the way BJP and TDP dilly dallied the whole issue, the writing was always on the wall. It became clear when Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley during his speech in Rajyasabha said that ‘special status’ cannot be given to Andhra Pradesh as it isn’t viable for the centre. He cited that centre is already sharing 42 percent of its revenue to all the states and it will be financial vulnerable if they grant a special status. Although he assured that the centre would ‘Handhold’ the state, his unconvincing explanation about the ‘specialstatus’ and linking it with the recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission, has not gone down well with the people of Andhra Pradesh. He even brought to the notice of the house that provision for special status was not added in the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act, 2014.

Now the question arises that, In the first place, if he was aware that there isn’t any provision, why did he not bring it up when the state is bifurcated? Even a novice knows what was promised to AP during elections. If he is aware of the financial vulnerability, why did BJP promise? And also, if one recollects what Arun Jaitley has written in his blog two years ago, just before elections, he clearly stated that, his party was able to extract commitment that Seemandhra would get a ‘special category’ status for five years, investments in Seemandhra would attract tax incentives similar to that of other states and also a backward region package for the districts of Rayalaseema and north coastal Andhra Pradesh. However, when the BJP came into power, they have fallen back on their word. Clearly, his statements and explanations lacks political will and commitment required for the development of the state.

A visibly miffed Chandrababu Naidu was disappointed with Jaitley’s explanation. He pointed out that 11 parties have promised their support granting special status for AP. The TDP chief has called for a meeting of his party people to discuss the possible ways to get things from the government. Atleast now, TDP should not take things for granted and act on issues more aggressively than before. The blame is on them for not getting things done from the BJP and if this continues, it may well affect their chances in future. Since there are lot of projects on board and many other things at stake, TDP may not call it quits with the centre for the time being, but if the situation remains the same way, they may well think otherwise during the elections. BJP on the other hand, may want to postpone the promises made till elections and announce something big during elections. This may well go against them and backfire as it has happened with the congress. Making statements like ‘Handholding’ and working ‘Shoulder to shoulder’ will take them nowhere if it is not showed in their actions. Instead of mudslinging on the previous government, it should rather try to fulfill the promises made by them.