Special status issue rocks AP assembly, YSRCP slams Naidu for ‘compromise’

Centre on Wednesday announced a financial package, which includes full funding of Polavaram but ruled out special status.

Hyderabad: The special category status issue rocked the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly on the first day of the Monsoon session in Hyderabad on Thursday with Opposition YSR Congress stalling proceedings denouncing the Centre's announcement of a financial package for the state.

YSRC members, who came into the House 20 minutes after the proceedings began this morning, stormed the Speaker's podium, holding placards and raising slogans "Pratyeka Hoda Andhrula Hakku" (special status is Andhra's right).

They also were critical of the Chief Minister for "compromising" on the state's interests.

Read: No special category status, but Centre to give special assistance to AP Legislative Affairs Minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu said the government would make a statement in the House on the announcement made by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on the grant of a special economic package to the state.

"You have no patriotism, nor belief in the Assembly. You boycotted the recitation of the National Anthem in the House. When the government itself is ready to make a statement, why don't you take part in the subsequent debate," Yanamala asked the YSRC, whose male members came wearing black shirts and women members black sarees, protesting the denial of special status to AP.

Read: AP to accept package if it equals special category status

Leader of Opposition Y S Jaganmohan Reddy recalled that the House passed two unanimous resolutions previously demanding that special status be granted to the state.

"Last night, Jaitley categorically ruled out special status. When the Chief Minister himself welcomed this announcement, what should we discuss," Jagan wondered.

Read: Pawan Kalyan to fight for Andhra Pradesh special category status

As some of the YSRC legislators surrounded his chair and some others stayed put in the Well, Speaker Kodela Sivaprasada Rao warned them to "avoid unruly behaviour".

"You can't hijack the House. This is very unfair. I am pleading with you (to ensure order)," the Speaker said but the Opposition members only raised their pitch.

The Speaker then adjourned the House for ten minutes.

In a late night development, the Centre announced a financial package for Andhra Pradesh that includes full funding of Polavaram irrigation project, tax concessions and a special assistance, but stopped short of giving the state a special category status.

Andhra Pradesh, which financially suffered because of creation of separate state of Telengana in June 2014, will get a railway zone as also all cost incurred on the irrigation part of Pollavaram project from the date it was declared a National Project on April 1, 2014 will be funded by the Centre. The state government will, however, implement the project, Jaitley said at a late night press conference.

(This article first appeared in Deccan Chronicle)