Congress Presses PM Modi: Will Andhra Pradesh Get Its Promised Special Status?

Congress demands PM Modi to clarify the special category status for Andhra Pradesh, questioning promises made under the AP Reorganisation Act of 2014. Jairam Ramesh highlights unfulfilled commitments including the Polavaram project, Vishakapatnam Steel Plant, and various infrastructure promises. Naidu's active involvement is urged for progress.

The Congress on Wednesday called upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi to provide clarity on the special category status promised to Andhra Pradesh, as per the AP Reorganisation Act of 2014.

Jairam Ramesh, Congress general secretary, revisited his Rajya Sabha speech from seven years ago, critiquing the Modi government's 'failure' to deliver on these commitments.

'I made this speech in the Rajya Sabha seven years ago, about the Modi Government's failure to deliver on the promise of the AP Reorganisation Act of 2014. Unfortunately, it still holds true today,' he asserted.

Ramesh pinpointed five key issues needing the Prime Minister's clarity. These include the special category status for Andhra Pradesh as promised in Tirupati in March 2014, pending funds for the Polavaram Multipurpose Irrigation Project, the privatization of the Vishakapatnam Steel Plant, operationalizing the new South Coast Railway zone, and sanctioning various infrastructure projects like the Kadapa Steel Plant, Duggirajupatnam Port, Kakinada Petro complex, and an Agricultural University.

Highlighting Naidu's role, Ramesh emphasized that unless Naidu aggressively pursues these matters, expecting proactive action from the 'one-third' Pradhan Mantri appears bleak.

Ramesh's comments coincided with the swearing-in ceremony of Naidu as Andhra Pradesh's chief minister, noting that Naidu's TDP is part of the BJP-led NDA.

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