Andhra Pradesh special status row : Arun Jaitley announces special package

After Telugu Desam Party and Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu hinted to severe ties with BJP over special category status issue during his speech in the Assembly, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Wednesday announced that the Centre would hand over special financial package to the state, which would be have the same benefits as to the promises mentioned in the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014.

Jaitley said, “We are willing to satisfy every condition. After Finance Commission report, instead of formally calling it a special category state, we are calling it a special package.”

“Andhra Pradesh in the special package will receive the same benefits that of a special state category,” added Jaitley.

The finance minister added that as per Finance Commission the provisions for revenue deficit Andhra Pradesh has already been implemented.

“Andhra Pradesh was unwilling and Telangana wanted the division. Andhra was suffering in terms of resources. One of the promised made during division was that Andhra Pradesh should be give special state status,” added Jaitley.

Also read | PNB Scam: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley slams regulators' failure to detect Rs 11,300 crore fraud

Earlier in the day, TDP leader Naidu in the Assembly said, “We allied with BJP only because of the special category status. We have waited for four years with patience and BJP showed double standard at time of fulfillment of the promise made.”

Jaitley asserted that sentiments do not decide the quantum of funds to be given to a state. “According to 14th Finance Commission, there is no concept of special category status,” added the finance minister.