Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu will likely announce leaving the BJP led National Democratic Alliance (NDA.) This has been expected since the Center refused to agree to Andhra’s demand for Special Status.
The two TDP ministers holding BJP seats will resign by Saturday according to sources. A survey taken by the TDP members show 95% favor leaving the NDA. CM Naidu is expected to address the State Assembly today but the contents of his address are unclear.
TDP MP Siva Prasad said Mr. Naidu would make a decision about ending the alliance in a day or two. The TDP lawmakers have constantly been demanding Special Status after the Union Budget was announced. Mr. Naidu expected the Center to clear funds for developing Andhra as part of the Budget. But since the Budget failed to excite Naidu, his party members went on an indefinite protest.
Rahul Gandhi took the opportunity and joined the TDP members protesting outside the Parliament yesterday. He went on to assure Special Status if Congress is elected to power in 2019. Mr. Gandhi urged the opposition parties to join forces and fight for Andhra Pradesh’s demand.
On the other end, YSR Congress Party led by Jagan Reddy threatened the Center. The party said their five members in Parliament would resign if Special Status is not accepted. CM Naidu is asking for a multi crore central assistance package for Andhra Pradesh. This was promised to TDP by the Congress led UPA Government in 2014.
According to the political parties, the bifurcation caused a huge revenue deficit in the State of Andhra Pradesh. In 2016, the Center announced a “special package” for Andhra but the TDP claim no funds were received. CM Naidu said he agreed to the special package because the Center stated Special Category State would not be provided.
While the TDP denies receiving any funds, the Finance Minister states Rs. 12,500 crores were given to the package. The Finance Minister further stated the money was not used to do any tangible work like constructing the new capital. The Government is now skeptical to give into TDP’s demands to avoid other states demanding the same.
