Union Minister Clarifies on Special Status for Andhra Pradesh

NEW DELHI:
Union Minister Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma has stated that special status cannot be granted to a state merely because state governments pass resolutions to that effect. He pointed out that if that were the case, all states in the country would do the same. This statement was made during a tree planting ceremony at the Ministry of Steel and Heavy Industries office, where he planted a sapling named ‘Amma’.

Speaking on the occasion, he said he could not comment on the special status issue for Andhra Pradesh at this moment, emphasizing that the decision rests with Prime Minister Modi. He also mentioned that the same applies to the state of Bihar.

Srinivasavarma clarified that the reasons for not granting the special status were already explained in the past. Instead, a special package is being provided as per the recommendations of the Finance Commission. He assured that the central government is committed to the development of Andhra Pradesh through these funds and promised to consider any cooperation needed for the state’s progress.

He also mentioned that the previous YSRCP government was responsible for the issues related to the Polavaram project, and assured that the central government would support the construction of Polavaram.