Telangana News

In a shocking move, Union Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu stated that, Andhra Pradesh does not qualify for Special Category Status. States which are at the border, hilly locations, forest areas will be eligible for the special status, Naidu said.

Odisha and Bihar are eligible for special status, as they are backward states. '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.

However, he also promised that Centre will compensate Rs 22 crore revenue deficit to AP for a period 5 years. "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 the Special Status. Centre took the responsibility to complete Polavaram Project. There is no truth in the allegations that Chandrababu is scared of the Centre. If TDP withdraws support to NDA, Neither CBN nor Modi will lose anything, but its the people who suffer" he added.

Disappointed with Venkaiah Naidu's statements, most of the people disappeared from the meeting, even while the official is continuing his speech.