PaperDabba News Desk: 11 July 2024
Special Status Essential for Andhra Pradesh’s Growth
CPI State Secretary K. Ramakrishna has once again urged the Andhra Pradesh government to convene an all-party meeting to discuss and strategize the attainment of Special Status for the state. Speaking at the All India Students Federation (AISF) state-level educational and political training classes in Kakinada, Ramakrishna highlighted the critical need for Special Status to ensure the state’s development and prosperity.
Financial Struggles Plaguing the State
Ramakrishna criticized the state government’s financial management, stating that Andhra Pradesh has been burdened with a debt of ₹12 lakh crore over the past five years. He pointed out that the state has been forced to take loans to pay pensions and salaries each month, a situation that he described as unavoidable regardless of which government is in power.
Criticism of BJP’s Promises
Ramakrishna also mocked the BJP state president Purandeswari’s claims at a recent state conference in Rajahmundry, where she stated that the state’s development was achievable with a double engine government. He recalled that similar promises were made in 2014 after the state’s bifurcation, but nothing substantial was accomplished.
Need for United Political Effort
Ramakrishna emphasized that achieving Special Status is crucial for the state’s growth and urged all political parties to unite for this cause. He pointed out that Bihar had already passed a resolution in its assembly seeking Special Status and suggested that Andhra Pradesh should follow suit.
Telangana’s IT Sector Success
Highlighting the stark contrast between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Ramakrishna noted that Telangana’s IT sector has generated $80 billion in revenue, whereas Andhra Pradesh’s contribution is only 3.6%. He stressed that Andhra Pradesh’s growth in the IT and industrial sectors is achievable only through Special Status.
Call for Leadership and Unity
Ramakrishna concluded by urging the Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu to put aside political differences and focus on the state’s development. He called for an all-party meeting to strategize the attainment of Special Status for Andhra Pradesh.
First on Paperdabba
