Former BJP president and Rajya Sabha (RS) member M. Venkaiah Naidu exuded confidence that the residuary State of Andhra Pradesh would surpass other States including Gujarat in development after a decade if the financial package which was announced by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in Rajya Sabha was implemented in letter and spirit.
Even if the Congress-led UPA backs out of its assurances, the PM’s statement would be morally binding as it was on record in Parliament.
In such an eventuality, the BJP would ensure that the financial package promised to Seemandhra is implemented after it returns to power.
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But before the separated States come into existence, which is not likely before June 1, the politicians and people of Seemandhra should start planning for the future, Mr. Naidu advised.
Addressing separate meetings organised by the party’s city unit and the Andhra Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Mr. Venkaiah Naidu said instead of clamouring about location and development of the new capital city, which should not be a matter of political expediency, people should think in what manner could the abundant human and natural resources be put to best use with a long-term vision.
The Congress has tried all possible tricks to put the blame on BJP in the event of the A.P Reorganisation Bill falling short of Parliamentary approval but the main Opposition thwarted its designs being alert to the situation and as committed to bifurcation as it was in 1997 when it had first passed a resolution in its national conclave in Kakinada.
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The BJP had never said it was against Telangana and was always sincere in its efforts to secure justice for Seemandhra which has legitimate concerns.
Mr. Venkaiah Naidu said it was audacious to move the A.P Reorganisation Bill when the general elections were barely 50 days away and the Congress was not hesitant to pass the legislation in haste in spite of knowing the consequences of rushing it through without having a thorough discussion within the party.
Had the BJP not insisted in RS, the Central government would not have given the special category status to the residuary State of Andhra Pradesh.
It was the BJP’s achievement as special status is given only to States with international borders and hilly areas but not a plain area like Seemandhra.