Jairam announces date for Seemandhra capital, TDP leaders hit back

Union Rural Development minister Jairam Ramesh on Wednesday announced that Seemandhra region will get a new capital in September.

Speaking to reporters in Ongole as part of his tour in AP, Jairam said, "Cities like Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Guntur, Rajahmundry, Tirupati, Kurnool, Ongole and Nellore are being considered for new capital. All locations will be studied and in September, final choice will be announced."

Refuting allegations leveled against him by TRS leaders, the union minister said that he was not a representative of any region, but represented all Telugu people.  I am not an agent of any region, in fact I am an agent of welfare for the Telugu people.

He also said that the Centre has allotted a package of Rs 1, 50,000 crore to  Seemandhra.   "No government has promised such a huge package for any state bifurcation," he pointed out. 

Soon after Jairam Ramesh announced the package, the Minister was flayed by a TDP leader, who hit back at him, calling him 'Pichi Pullayya'. , the Minister was flayed by TDP leaders, who hit back at him, calling him 'Pichi Pullayya'.

TDP senior leader Yanamala Ramakrishnudu said that Jairam cannot even win as a ward member. There was no value for the package he is announcing for Seemandhra, he said.

-Siva@Sakshipost