Ready to move SC: CM N Chandrababu Naidu

VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Friday stated that the government was ready to approach the Supreme Court in case the assurances contained in the AP Reorganisation Act were not fulfilled.

Stating that without any fault of theirs, the people of Andhra Pradesh were being punished, the Chief Minister said that the Centre had to play the role of Big Brother.

“The same feeling was conveyed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi”, Mr Naidu said and added that he had requested the Centre to extend a helping hand till Andhra Pradesh reaches a level playing field against other states.

Addressing the collectors’ conference on the second day on Friday,  Mr Naidu said, “We are not seeking any extra favour”. He added that the state was slowly reviving. “We are not against anybody or any government,” the CM said.

He said the AP government would move the Supreme Court, if necessary, in case of injustice is done to the state with regard to the assurances of the AP Reorganisation Act.

Mr Naidu took serious objection to Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao’s remarks over development of Andhra Pradesh.

What upset Mr Naidu was Mr Rao’s statement at a conclave in Hyderabad on Thursday that there was no comparison between Telangana state and Andhra Pradesh.

Mr Naidu said, “The difference in development before and after 1995 should be noted. Then they will come to know who has developed what.”

“Andhra Pradesh is in the last position in South India, as far as per capita income is concerned. It is not because of the people but because of the bifurcation,” the Chief Minister said in an emotional voice.

“The unjustified division brought all these troubles to the people of AP. Our people are highly capable,” he said.

Mr Naidu stated that he had ignited the spirit among the people, with Nava Nirmana Deeksha and Maha Sankalpam. “We are slowly recovering from the wounds of bifurcation. At this juncture the news that appeared in the media about AP lagging behind the other states by 25 to 30 per cent in development, pained me”, he said. 

Special Chief Secretary L.V. Subrahmanyam also spoke about Mr Chandrasekhar Rao’s  remarks as to how the Andhra rulers’ had destroyed Telangana.  region. APIIC chairman Dr P. Krishnaiah also echoed the same views.