Fresh deadline to snap ties with BJP

DAINIK NATION BUREAU

Virtually putting the Modi government on notice, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu today demanded that the Centre honour the AP Reorganisation Act, 2014 and come out with a clear stand on the state’s demands in the next two-three days.

At the same time, he admitted for the first time that the 14th Finance Commission had not recommended special category status for any state.

“For four years, I did not raise any demand, hoping that being an ally, the BJP will honour the promises made in its manifesto as well and implement the Reorganisation Act in letter and in spirit,” said Naidu, the leader of Telugu Desam Party (TDP), a constituent of the Union government.

“I have followed the federal spirit and worked on mutual co-operation principle with the Centre. People of the state now feel insulted and if I don’t raise my voice now, they will not pardon me,” he said while replying to a debate on the Motion of Thanks to the Governor’s Address.

He demanded that the Centre come out with a clear stand on the state’s demands in the next 2-3 days.

“It is the responsibility of the Centre to correct the injustice done to AP on account of the bifurcation,” the chief minister said in nearly three-hour speech.

NB–PTI