TDP, oppn lash out at Modi govt over spl status to AP

The TDP and other opposition parties today asked the BJP-led government to honour its assurances in letter and spirit by granting special category status to Andhra Pradesh, as the BJP accused it of misleading its own people.

Participating in a short duration discussion in the Rajya Sabha on non-implementation of the provisions of the Andhra Pradesh Re-organisation Act, 2014, Leader of Opposition and senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said the Narendra Modi government should fulfill the promises made by it as well as the estwhile UPA dispensation.

He also warned that there could be a privilege motion against the NDA government if this was not done.

However, BJP member G V L Narasimha Rao, making his maiden speech in the House, defended the government saying the Centre has fulfilled most of the promises made to Andhra Pradesh and accused the TDP of "misleading its own people."
He also alleged that the NDA government has "carefully orchestrated a misinformation campaign against the state with regard to special category status and central assistance given under the so called special package."
Attacking the government for recent lynching incidents, Chowdhary said "lynching is the flavour of the season in our country now and there has been widespread concern over it. People of my state feel there is a centrally sponsored lynching going on against them."
Alleging that the Centre does not have trust on the state government, TDP leader said, "Under the presidential rule, AP government projected revenue deficit of Rs 16,078 crore and CAG had upheld this figure. But members of the house would be surprised to know that the PMO in its wisdom reduced (amount) drastically to Rs 4,117 crore without explaining any reasons."
Attacking the government for misleading campaign being orchestrated, Chowdhary said "unashamedly and in utter disregard to the facts, the government is misleading the media that the 14th Fiannce Commission has denied special category status. This is far from truth."
Chowdhary said, "it is new colonialism that we are tasting. It is a sad time for the new India of Modi's dreams. This needs to be checked. It is the states which make the Union of India and not the BJP alone."
Highlighting promised projects that were not implemented, the Congress leader said "all commitments under the AP Reorganisation Act have not been addressed and it is unable to give special category status to AP. Sir, there will be a privilege against the government. I don't know why they have not raised privilege so far."
Maintaining that tax incentives were given to industrialists in Telangana as well as Andhra Pradesh, he asked "would you call this unjustice?"