PM should speak on special status: YSRCP

Hyderabad, June 14 : Expressing concern over the reports that Planning Commission is not in favour of a special package to Andhra Pradesh state, the YSR Congress Party has sought the Prime Minister to issue a statement on the issue to allay fears.

Speaking to reporters here on Saturday the YSR Congress Parliamentary Party leader Mekapati Rajamohan Reddy said, “The people of the State are a worried lot. We have asked in the Parliament to give 20 years special status to Andhra Pradesh state as we have to start from the scratch. Earlier, the issue was discussed at length on the floor of the House. BJP leaders in Rajya Sabha Arun Jiately and Venkatiah Naidu were vociferous about it and the Prime Minister has given an assurance to allot 10 years special status which should be honoured now.”

Mekapati said that the new state was in a quandary on various issues including the capital city and funds for development and the negative news on special status is giving rise to many apprehensions. “I request the Prime Minister to give a categorical statement on the issue to put at rest the apprehensions and alley fears,” he said adding that a letter was faxed to the Prime Minister requesting him to honour the commitment on the special status issue.  INN