Chandrababu: Don't commit suicide over special status

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Monday appealed to people not to be driven by emotion and commit suicide over the issue of special status to the state. He said that his government was making all efforts to get justice to the state.

The Andhra assembly on Monday passed a condolence resolution mourning those who committed suicide over the delay in the award of special status to the state. Moving the resolution, Naidu said some people were getting emotionally disturbed. He appealed to the people not to resort to the extreme step.

Speaker Kodela Sivaprasad Rao announced the passing of the resolution amid pandemonium as the YSR Congress Party alleged that the Telugu Desam Party (TDP)-led government had muzzled the voice of the opposition.

The house witnessed sharp exchanges between Naidu and opposition leader Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy, who blamed the statements of the TDP and BJP leaders for the suicides. "You are saying that the state will not get special status and this is leading to suicides," said the YSR Congress chief. He also targeted the government for not paying even a penny as compensation for the families of those who sacrificed their lives.

Naidu hit back at Jagan, blaming his party and the Congress for dividing the state. He alleged that Jagan compromised with the Congress to save himself in corruption cases. Claiming that TDP alone can protect the state's interests, he said people believed this and voted it to power. Naidu said he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week and the special status was the first point on the agenda.

"We also sought a special package and implementation of all the commitments made in the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act," he said. The chief minister said he also urged the central government to do the handholding till Andhra Pradesh achieves level-playing field with neighbouring states. He said the prime minister directed the officials to prepare a road map.

Finding fault with YSR Congress Party's demand asking TDP ministers to resign from the central cabinet, Naidu wondered if Jagan's party was keen to join the NDA government. Earlier, as soon as the monsoon session began, the YSRCP stalled the proceedings, demanding an immediate debate on the issue of special status.

The speaker rejected the adjournment motion moved by the party and informed the house that the government will make a statement. The house later passed a resolution, paying tributes to former president A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. It also took up another resolution to condole the death of 29 pilgrims in stampede at Rajahmundry during Godavari Pushkaram last month.

There was a heated argument between the ruling and opposition parties as Jagan blamed Naidu for the tragedy. TDP members took strong exception to Jagan's remarks. The leader of the opposition also criticised the speaker for repeatedly disconnecting his mike. The speaker termed Jagan's remarks against him derogatory and asked him to withdraw the same.