Prior to bifurcation, it was promised that the newly carved Andhra Pradesh will be given special status. Though technically, it was the erstwhile Congress government that made the big promise, BJP which saw it coming supported the proposition.
But bifurcation happened, then elections happened and BJP was voted to power at the Centre. Since then, the Saffron party has been dilly-dallying on the issue of special status. Now, it has more or less hinted that it is next to impossible to give special status to AP.
In the latest development, Telangana CM KCR is now going to Delhi to put forth a lot of requests. And one among them is asking for special status for Telangana. Apparently, he will also ask the Centre to grant national project status to Pranahita-Chevella lift irrigation scheme and seek other subsidies.
Well, this might appear apt when one reads it in paper, but it has to be remembered that the Centre is having trouble trying to fulfill the promises made in the bifurcation bill.
In the past, then prime minister Manmohan Singh announced special status to AP in Rajya Sabha. Later, Venkaiah Naidu claimed on many occasions that their party was behind the decision. Now, BJP has more or less made it clear that AP can give up on any hopes of being accorded special status. Instead, they gave Rs 350 crore package to under-developed areas.
So, will the Centre give in to KCR’s demand? However, his demand will give another reason for the Centre to stop special aid to AP. Already many states are against AP being given special status as against them.
