Leaders of the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in Andhra Pradesh and the opposition YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) have engaged in a heated exchange ahead of Parliament's Budget session, which begins on Monday and includes 19 sittings until August 12.
Following an all-party meeting convened by the BJP-led central government, the YSRCP accused the TDP of neglecting the issue of special category status for Andhra Pradesh and compromising the state's interests.
YSRCP leader YS Jagan Mohan Reddy criticized the TDP for its inaction on this crucial matter.
In response, the TDP, a BJP ally, blamed the previous Jagan Mohan Reddy government for the state's financial troubles. They announced plans to release a white paper detailing the state's financial status, which they claimed would be shocking.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh also commented on the TDP's silence regarding the special category status, pointing out that while the JD(U) and YSRCP demanded special status for Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, respectively, the TDP remained quiet.
YSRCP's floor leader in the Rajya Sabha, Vijaisai Reddy, highlighted eight issues his party raised at the meeting, with special category status for Andhra Pradesh being the primary demand.
He reiterated that this has been a longstanding demand since it was promised by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Reddy accused the TDP of compromising the state's interests by ignoring this issue.
Reddy also mentioned other issues, such as Andhra Pradesh's share in the central pool of taxes, the need to address population criteria for revenue sharing, and opposition to the privatization of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant.
He claimed there was a breakdown of law and order in the state under TDP's rule, citing numerous attacks and murders, and called for President's Rule in Andhra Pradesh.
YS Jagan Mohan Reddy plans to hold a dharna in Delhi on Tuesday against the TDP-led Andhra Pradesh government.
Meanwhile, TDP MP Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu briefed reporters on the issues the TDP raised, including the need for adequate time in Parliament to discuss Andhra Pradesh's concerns.
Devarayalu mentioned that the Andhra Pradesh government would soon release a white paper on the state's finances, which he said would shock the public.
He also stated that the TDP would address various issues in Parliament, such as the Amravati capital region, opposition to the privatization of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, and the need for a skill census.
Responding to YSRCP's allegations, Devarayalu emphasized that the TDP was not focused on just one or two issues but a wide range of concerns.
He dismissed claims of lawlessness under the TDP rule, stating that the YSRCP was trying to divert attention from the state's financial problems by avoiding the assembly session.
Devarayalu assured that Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu prioritized law and order, and there was no issue of lawlessness in Andhra Pradesh.
