At last, Union minister of state for science and technology Y S Chowdary alias Sujana Chowdary expressed regrets over his remarks asking the people of Andhra to hold “pig fights” if they want, instead of hitting the streets to demand special category status to the state.
“I did not mean insulting the people. I was only reacting to the comparison drawn between Jallikattu and special category status. And it sent a wrong message causing a lot of misunderstanding among the people. I apologise for the same,” Sujana said.
However, he found fault with power star and Jana Sena Party founder Pawan Kalyan for instigating the youth through social media on the special category status.
“Let him come out and explain what additional benefits the state would get with the special category status, apart from what is given through special package. I will give answer to all his queries,” he said.
The minister said the state would have got just Rs 3,500 crore extra and the Centre has agreed to compensate for the same.
“If the special status was given, Polavaram project would have got only 60 per cent funds. Now, we are getting 100 per cent. There is absolutely no link between the special category status and setting up of industries. It is a false propaganda,” he said.
