Rajya Sabha member K.V.P. Ramachandra Rao has urged President Ram Nath Kovind to intervene on behalf of Andhra Pradesh and see to it that the Central government implemented the provisions of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014.
Mr. Ramachandra Rao, in a letter to the President, said as the “protector, preserver and defender of the Constitution,” it was his responsibility to ensure the implementation of the Act.
Mr. Ramachandra Rao said though four years had passed, none of the benefits incorporated in the Act were extended to the people of the State.
At the time of bifurcation, the people of Seemandhra, with faith in the democratic system and respect for the emotional sentiment of Telangana, had kept quiet. They had firm belief that the promises made in the Act and assurances given in Parliament would be fulfilled in letter and spirit, he said.
Mr. Ramachandra Rao said the BJP, which was in the Opposition at the time of bifurcation, had stressed that the division would push the State of Andhra Pradesh into a precarious financial situation and called upon the Centre to bailout the State.
Responding to its argument, the Congress government that was at the helm then had made several provisions in the Reorganisation Bill, Mr. Ramachandra Rao said.
The BJP leaders, however, said the provisions made in the Act were not sufficient. The ruling Congress then gave some assurances in Parliament to cover the deficiencies and promised to address any other deficiencies on coming to power.
But after the elections, the attitude of the BJP, which came to power, had completely changed, Mr. Ramachandra Rao said.
Election talk
Committees were asked to look into the feasibility of implementing the provisions of the Act. There was also word that the general elections, which should be conducted in 2019, would be advanced, Mr. Ramachandra Rao said in the letter.
The ruling parties, the BJP at the Centre and the TDP in the State, were preparing a grand plan to deceive the people, Mr. Ramachandra Rao charged.
The President should come to the rescue of Andhra Pradesh, Mr. Ramachandra Rao said.
