AICC General Secretary Digvijay Singh expressed confidence that both the Telugu States – Telangana and Andhra Pradesh would soon emerge as most prosperous States in the country.
Speaking to media persons after AICC President Sonia Gandhi’s meeting with Seemandhra leaders here on Wednesday, Digvijay Singh said that both the States would witnessed comprehensive development. “Both the States will be competing with each other in healthy manner and with the spirit of brotherhood while complimenting each other,” he said.
He said during the meeting, it has been decided to to make efforts to convey the message of Congress party through Seemandhra region. All the positive things in the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Bill and the assurances of Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde would be conveyed to the people. He said the advantages given to Seemandhra people post-bifurcation would be explained. He said that the issue of allocation of some gas from KG Basin to Seemandhra would be considered.
Digvijay Singh said that the AICC would soon constitute separate PCCs for Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Separate Committees for Election, Campaign and Manifesto would be constituted in the next few days. “The Seemandhra leaders have invited Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and the Prime Minister to address a public meeting in Rayalaseema and coastal Andhra Pradesh. Sonia Gandhi has agreed to visit the Seemandhra region and she would address a meeting in the month of March,” he said. The convention of workers would be convened in both the regions to workout a strategy for the next Assembly elections, he said.
He clarified that while Seemandhra got Special Category status for five years, the tax incentives would be for 10 years. Under Special Category, all Central assistance going to Seemandhra will be in the ratio of 10:90 for loan and grants respectively. A committee has been given the task of locating the ideal place for new capital and the location of High Court. He said that the process would be completed in the next few months.
Digvijay Singh that all four districts of Rayalaseema and three districts of north coastal Andhra would get a special package on the lines of Bundelkhand package. The Planning Commission would look into the specific needs of each of these seven districts and prepare a comprehensive plan. Further, the Polavaram Dam will not only be funded by the Centre, but all the permissions and clearances have been deemed to be given and therefore, this project will definitely will come, he said.
“We are awaiting the notification by the President of India for the Day of Appointment for the new State. We would like it happen as early as possible, so that the new State start functioning,” he said.
When asked about the merger of TRS with the Congress party, Digvijay Singh said that TRS President K Chandrasekhar Rao has recently met Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi and during the talks he gave clear indications of merger. The details will be worked out, he said. (INN)