No clue yet on special... for AP

Even as people and politicians of both ruling and opposition alike are waiting with bated breath to hear from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for some sort of announcement ‘on special…’ for Andhra Pradesh,

the Central Government seems to be holding its cards close to its chest. The State Government has no clue yet on what would be the announcement from the Centre, according to highly-placed sources in AP government.

Meanwhile, unconfirmed reports reveal that NITI Aayog, which was asked to prepare a draft plan for assisting Andhra Pradesh, sought two to 3 weeks more time to complete its work.

Sources in Delhi revealed to The Hans India that the Centre is still in a dilemma to specify assistance to AP due to the ongoing Bihar elections.

Bihar has to witness three more phases of elections. Any package less than Bihar would further hurt the sentiments of Andhra Pradesh people. Any package higher than Bihar would hurt the BJP’s chances in Bihar, the sources explained.

On the other hand speculation is rife in political circles that Modi may announce Rs 1 lakh crore-package to call it more than special status.

The dossier earlier submitted by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu to the Prime Minister reportedly estimated that the implementation of promises made in the AP Reorganisation Act for the residuary state of Andhra Pradesh would itself make up to Rs 60,000 crore.

The Centre may add other allocations and grants to gift-wrap the package as one lakh bonanza for AP. The State has to wait for a few more hours to solve this riddle. Whatever may be Modi’s proclamation at Amaravati, political storm seems to be inevitable.

The fire crackers are expected much ahead of Diwali in the political landscape of Andhra Pradesh as Prime Minister descends on the land of emerging AP capital.

BY:Prof K Nageshwar