On Wednesday night, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu announced TDP will exit the NDA Government. This announcement came after Finance Minister Arun Jaitley stated the Center will not agree to a Special Category Status for Andhra Pradesh.
CM Naidu also said his two TDP members in the Union Cabinet will resign today. Mr. Naidu explained the events leading up to his decision to leave. Naidu was quoted saying, “Being a mature leader, I called up the Prime Minister, but it looks like the message didn’t reach him, so our ministers will resign tomorrow and come out.”
The Chief Minister further explained the reason his members are in the Cabinet has failed. He further added, “People have trusted me and voted me thinking that I will develop the State. People should also understand that I visited them (Centre) 29 times over the issue, but they didn’t pay heed. We made all efforts to convince them.”
CM Naidu also stated the State was insulted when the Center said, “This is how much we will give.” Mr. Naidu said he was a senior politician and has no ego. Adding that he has stayed patient for the last 4 years and the Center failed to honor their promise.
Responding to Finance Minister Jaitley’s statement, CM Naidu said, “His remarks that sentiments do not define the quantum of funds, and the financial aid given to Northeastern states doesn’t apply to us, shows they were predetermined. It shows that they have no intent of helping us.”
Clarifying his statement Naidu said the TDP was coming out of the NDA Government. He further said they would decide later if TDP would leave the coalition. CM Naidu spoke to his party members for three hours and then decided to ask his members to resign the Cabinet.
