Former Minister S. Sailajanath has demanded that the government announce a special package for Rayalaseema and North Coastal Andhra for better public health, education and livelihood on the lines of the Bundelkhand package.
“Most districts in Rayalaseema and north coastal Andhra are backward, and they need special assistance. It has been more than seven months since the new governments came to power in the State and at the Centre, but there has been no mention of a package to alleviate people’s problems. It is high time the Centre accorded special status to AP as promised in the State Reorganisation Act,” he said.
The Congress government took care to cover all aspects relating to the two States while formulating the AP Reorganisation Act. All that the BJP-led NDA government had to do was to implement the provisions of the Act in letter and spirit, he said here on Friday.
“People expected a lot from BJP chief Amit Shah’s visit to the city, but they were disappointed, he did not raise the issue of special status to the State. It appears the BJP is keen on strengthening its base in the State rather than addressing people’s issues,” he maintained.
“Many parties are trying to occupy the Congress party’s position in the State, but that is not easy. People still believe in the Congress, as it is the only party, which will fight for their cause,” Dr. Sailajanath said.
On the stalemate between AP and Telangana on EAMCET, the former Primary Education Minister said the issue could be resolved amicably through dialogue with the Centre’s intervention. “The future of several students is at stake, and the issue should not be politicised,” he added.
