The Chief Minister-designate of the successor State of Andhra Pradesh, N. Chandrababu Naidu, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several Union Ministers on Friday, and sought Central help on a variety of issues, including >special status for the new State.
Besides raising development issues, Mr. Naidu >invited the Prime Minister for his >swearing-in on June 8 . The Telugu Desam Party president was accompanied by Union Minister for Civil Aviation Ashok Gajapathi Raju Pusapati.
During his meeting with Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Mr. Naidu sought an assurance that all commitments made to the new State be fulfilled. “The Centre has promised to fulfil all commitments made to Seemandhra. We have already started working,” Mr. Jaitley said.
Mr. Naidu said he had sought special incentives and a financial package to compensate the new State for the loss of Hyderabad. “The Centre had announced a special package for Seemandhra and industrial incentives. For all these things, they have to issue government orders and take Cabinet decisions,” he said.
During his meeting with Union Water Resources Minister Uma Bharati, the TDP chief sought the speedy implementation of the >Polavaram project , which has >triggered concerns in Telangana and Odisha . Former Union Minister Jairam Ramesh was present during the meeting.
Briefing the media after the meeting, Ms. Bharati said, “Certain issues were raised. The government and the PM are concerned over these issues. We will act accordingly.”
High expectations
Mr. Naidu’s visit has raised expectations in the Seemandhra region. Among the important issues pending with the Centre, the most worrisome is the first year’s deficit Budget of about Rs. 15,000 crore, which will delay payment of salaries. Mr. Naidu pleaded with Mr. Jaitley for Central assistance for two years on this count.
Mr. Naidu’s mission in New Delhi is to strengthen relationship with the BJP, portraying his party as its closest and reliable ally and getting the best deal for the State. Without the Centre’s support, he knows that he will not be able to keep any of his promises beginning with the crop loan waiver, the most challenging one on his wish-list.
