Union Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu reiterated Andhra Pradesh do not qualify for Special Category Status. He informed that only states which are at the border, have more hilly locations, forest areas and tribal population were accorded Special Status so far. He went on to say backward states like Odisha and Bihar alone are eligible for Special Status. 'Andhra Pradesh doesn't fall in any of these categories. Initially, We have demanded Special Status due to revenue deficit post bifurcation,' he told during 'AP Abhivrudhiki Kendram Sahakaram-Prathyeka Ardhika Package Pi Avagahana' Public Meeting in Kakinada.
Venkaiah Naidu promised Centre will compensate Rs 22 crore revenue deficit to AP for a period five years. He added, 'AP would receive Rs 2.06 lakh crore in five years as per 14th Finance Commission recommendations. The benefit AP would receive is much bigger than Special Status. Centre took the responsibility to complete Polavaram Project. There is no truth in the allegations that Chandrababu is scared of Centre. If TDP withdraws support to NDA, Neither CBN nor Modi will lose anything but its the people who suffer'.
There was a heavy downpour within half-an-an-hour after the meeting began. Although Venkaiah continued his speech, Most of the people disappeared from there within minutes.
Venkaiah Naidu promised Centre will compensate Rs 22 crore revenue deficit to AP for a period five years. He added, 'AP would receive Rs 2.06 lakh crore in five years as per 14th Finance Commission recommendations. The benefit AP would receive is much bigger than Special Status. Centre took the responsibility to complete Polavaram Project. There is no truth in the allegations that Chandrababu is scared of Centre. If TDP withdraws support to NDA, Neither CBN nor Modi will lose anything but its the people who suffer'.
There was a heavy downpour within half-an-an-hour after the meeting began. Although Venkaiah continued his speech, Most of the people disappeared from there within minutes.