MPs Raise AP Special State Status Issue In Rajya Sabha

The issue of according special state status to Andhra Pradesh came up for discussion in Rajya Sabha on Tuesday. Several MPs, cutting across party lines, raised the issue.

YSRCP MP V Vijaysai Reddy reminded the government that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had himself given an assurance to the people of the state that he would accord special state status to Andhra Pradesh. He also pointed out that Andhra Pradesh is more backward than some of the states enjoying special state status. He said the assistance from the centre was meagre and inadequate and demanded that special state status be given to AP immediately.

Congress MP KVP Ramachandra Rao said the AP chief minister and the central ministures have colluded to deny special state status to AP. "This is the first time in the history that an assurance given on the floor of Parliament has not been implemented," he said.

Congress MP Jairam Ramesh also reminded that Venkaiah Naidu had demanded special state status for ten years.