Press : Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu addressing a demonstration against unjust bifurcation bill

Press Release

Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, MP and Former National President of the Bharatiya Janata Party addressed more than 250 important functionaries of the AP BJP belonging to the Seemandhra region who sat on a dharna at Jantar Mantar today demanding justice for Seemandhra region while bifurcating the State of Andhra Pradesh. During his address, he made the following salient points:-

The Congress party is treating the issue of division of Andhra Pradesh as their internal party affair. They have mismanaged the entire issue and are behaving in a most irresponsible and immature manner. They have slept over the issue for the last 9 years after getting the mandate in 2004 that too on the plank of creation of Telangana in Andhra Pradesh and now suddenly on the eve elections and as they are not able to face Shri Narendra Modi, they are talking of Telangana. Even now there is no clarity and commitment on the part of the Government.

Shri Naidu said that the BJP is committed for the creation of a separate Telangana state and is also committed to secure justice to the people of Seemandhra region. There is no contradiction on this nor is there any change in party’s stand. He reiterated that the BJP is fully committed to creation of Telangana state with 10 districts. The BJP feels that the proposed bill is full of loopholes and does not address the concerns of the peole of the State, particularly Seemandhra. Even in Telangana region, there are apprehensions about certain provisions in the Bill.

Shri Naidu stated that the Central Government after having the opinion of the State Assembly should address the concerns of the region, take positive suggestions given by different parties and people and bring necessary amendments to the Bill. As far as the BJP is concerned, it wants division of the State but at the same time it also wants that justice should be done to Seemandhra region. If the Congress does not do it, BJP will do it when it comes to power.

Shri Naidu appealed to the people not to be provoked by the provocative speeches by certain irresponsible leaders and also not to be carried away by the leaders and parties that changed their stands after having agreed to support Telangana. Mr Naidu complimented the BJP units, both in Seemandhra and Telangana that they have all along stood by the party line in spite of temporary emotional reactions and grave provocations by others. Shri Naidu assured the Seemandhra people that the Central Party leadership is studying the Bill and also taking into consideration the positive suggestions made by the Seemandhra region party leaders and will move necessary amendments to the Bill when comes before the Parliament.

Shri Naidu said that if it was BJP, they would have dealt with the issue in a different manner by speaking to various stake holders much before bringing the Bill and by first talking and convincing the ruling party members, MPs, MLAs and other leaders and also acting in such a way by sanctioning certain institutions like IITs, Business schools, upgradation of airports, creation of infrastructure in Seemandhra region so that the people would have got confidence that their region’s interests are also kept in mind and their interests would not be adversely affected.

Shri Naidu advocated Tax Holiday for different regions in the State so that industries can come up and employment opportunities are provided. Shri Naidu said that mere assurances on setting up industries are not sufficient, they should have the approval of the Planning Commission and also provision of funds. He also advocated for growth corridors in different regions.

Mr. Naidu said that one important thing is that all the ongoing irrigation projects which are yet to be completed and which are not having assured water allocations should get statutory protection and the Bill must specify that these projects which are sanctioned by various governments will continue and will be binding on both the States even after division.

Shri Naidu strongly supported the demand for declaring Polavaram as a Multi-Purpose Project and said that Polavaram is lifeline of Seemandhra region. Not only will it cater to the drinking water and irrigation needs but also generate power. He reminded that the project started in 1980 and three Chief Ministers, namely, late Shri Chenna Reddy, late Shri Anjaiah and late Shri NT Rama Rao, laid foundation stones. He recalled that the AP BJP unit has passed a resolution thrice and conducted agitations for early completion of the project. Shri Naidu opined that all the obstacles in completion of Polavaram Project should have been cleared 4 – 5 years back keeping in view the proposed division of the State. He also said it is duty of the Central Government to make necessary provisions in the Bill itself so that the issues like land acquisition, submersion etc. are taken care of and do not give scope for future litigation.

Shri Naidu also wanted the Government to declare the new capital in the Bill itself after proper consultations with all the stakeholders and help providing infrastructure and funds for building the same. He opined that Hyderabad cannot be a joint capital for long as it is away from the Seemandhra region.

Shri Naidu said that the interests of all the people from different regions of Andhra Pradesh who are living in Hyderabad should be protected and the BJP will firmly stand for that. With regard to the allocation of government employees between the two States, Shri Naidu said that the same policy should be followed as was done in the recently created States.

Shri Naidu said that it is unethical on the part of political parties to go back on the assurance given in support of Telangana and said that every party and responsible leaders should cooperate in solving this problem and move towards bifurcation. He squarely blamed the Congress party and the Central Government for the present situation in Andhra Pradesh and said that the Congress party is behaving in a most irresponsible and partisan manner simply aiming at short-term political gains.

Shri Naidu riducled the Congress party and said that - PM Proposes .. CM Opposes and the National President proposes .. the State President disposes. He said it goes to show the bankrupt politics of the Congress party.

 

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