Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of betraying the people of the state by denying it the special status that was promised during the bifurcation in 2014.
Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Naidu said slogans like “cooperative federalism” and “team India” have become bogus. The Bharatiya Janata Party has followed the Congress way in betraying the state, which has suffered economic loses because of the “unscientific manner in which the bifurcation was done”.
Naidu also sought the support of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, the ruling party in Tamil Nadu, for the no-confidence motion it has moved against the Narendra Modi government in Parliament.
“We give them Krishna water,” said Naidu. “They [AIADMK] should support our cause.” He, however, clarified that he was not threatening anyone. “Not long ago Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh were together in the Madras presidency,” he added.
At the press conference, Naidu played old videos of Modi’s campaign during the 2014 Lok Sabha polls in which the prime minister is seen guaranteeing the special status. “We are not seeking anything extra. Only what you promised,” Naidu added.
He said on February 9, 2018, the Union government released Rs 350 crore as part of special development package for backward districts. But in an unprecedented move, this money was taken back on February 15 on the instructions of the prime minister’s office.
“Have you ever heard of money being taken back after it is credited to an account?” he asked.
On a question if the Union government was specifically acting against southern states, Naidu said progressive states should be encouraged and not discouraged.
He also said the Telugu Desam Party was not stranger to national politics and it played a pivotal role in the formation of coalition governments in 1989 and 1996, which gave the country three prime ministers. “But at the moment, we are only asking for what is our right and are not worried about politics.”
He said the BJP was trying to damage his credibility, which he has built over the past 40 years.
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