Special Category status is our right, says Naidu

‘ I will make sure that all promises are delivered’

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. File

Reiterating that bifurcation was not done properly, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said the promises made to the State had not yet been fulfilled; the Special Category Status (SCS) was its right and it should be given.

Addressing ‘Saadhikara Mitras’ here on Wednesday, Mr. Naidu said the State was given a raw deal and that its rights had to be fought for, if the plethora of problems faced by it were to be overcome.

He asserted that it was the responsibility of the Union government to implement what was envisaged under the A.P. Reorganisation Act.

“People have done no wrong and they should not face any kind of injustice. Farmers have voluntarily given their valuable lands for the construction of the capital city. Having been vested with the responsibility to extricate the State from a delicate position, I will make sure that all promises are delivered,” he said.

Earlier in the day, indicating that the Telugu Desam Party government would go by the popular sentiment, Agriculture Minister Somireddy Chandramohan Reddy demanded that the Centre accord SCS to Andhra Pradesh, having extended the benefits thereof to 11 States.

‘No clarity on assistance’

He said there was no clarity on the Special Assistance Measure (SAM) promised to be given in lieu of the SCS, which was denied under the pretext that the 14th Finance Commission objected to it.

Addressing the media at the Secretariat on Wednesday, Mr. Reddy said that while in the Opposition, the BJP leaders had demanded SCS for 10 years and even promised to give it if the party came to power. But after coming to power, the BJP had started expressing its inability, saying the 14th Finance Commission had turned it down.

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had then announced the Special Assistance Measure or a special package, which he promised would be “equivalent to SCS to the last rupee.”

“SAM or special package is still mired in uncertainty as the Central government has not clearly stated what has been given to the State so far under it, while maintaining that it (package) will be more beneficial than the SCS,” he said. “That is why, we want to demand SCS. Why should the Centre show such discrimination? When it is possible to continue SCS in other States, why not in A.P.?” he asked.