Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding early grant of special category status to Andhra Pradesh. “Over one year has elapsed since the NDA Government has come to power, but many of the commitments made to the State — including special category status — remain unfulfilled,” Rahul said in the letter. Noting that the State was facing a huge revenue deficit and development initiatives have been at a standstill, Rahul said that despite the obvious need for immediate aid, the Centre has still not acted to extend support.
Since the Prime Minister is visiting Andhra Pradesh this week to lay the foundation stone for its new capital Amravathi, he should utilise the opportunity to grant Special Category status and announce a time frame for the fulfillment of the commitments made in the Act, said Rahul.
Meanwhile, Congress virtually dismissed as “frivolous” remarks by party leader Jairam Ramesh time was up for leaders above the age of 60 with Rahul bringing a new team when he takes over as President. “Many such statements do come, do not take them seriously,” party’s senior spokesman Anand Sharma told reporters insisting that it was an “unauthorised” statement as it has not come from Congress Working Committee.