State BJP Leaders Not Helping The State: Chandrababu

Amaravati: Chief minister Chandrababu Naidu criticised AP BJP leaders for the Rayalaseema declaration.

Speaking at the TDP Parliamentary party meeting here on Friday, he said instead of asking the Central government for funds to AP, the BJP leaders are impeding the work of the state government. "I have never neglected the welfare of the state and the people. Discussions were also held with the Central leadership on this issue." he said while condemning the statements that the Union government gave a formula to overcome the state's deficit budget.

On the issue of Special Category Status, he said, the Union government told him that there are difficulties in the grant of SCS. "Hence, we had agreed for the special package. In undivided AP we had 42 MPs and managed to influence the central government on various issues. However in the bifurcated state, it is difficult to convince them on all issues," Chandrababu said.

It is widely known that of late, differences have often cropped up between the TDP and BJP, leading to onlookers and analysts speculating on the future of the alliance. Soma Veera Raju of the BJP has been quite strident in his criticism of Chandrababu Naidu. Some TDP leaders have also been openly critical of their alliance partner. However, from Chandrababu’s comments, it is evident that the ruling TDP is on the defensive on the issue of Special Category Status.