VIJAYAWADA: Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley ton Tuesday called Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and “assured” the Centre would resolve “all issues” including the special status issue soon but Mr Naidu said he was satisfied with the assurance.
But, Mr Naidu said he was not satisfied with Mr Jaitley’s assurance. “Am I ever satisfied with anything? Never. That’s my specialty,” the Chief Minister remarked, when asked if he was satisfied with the Finance Minister’s assurance.
He addressed a press conference late tonight and once again dug into the history of the State’s bifurcation and the problems it had left the residuary state with.
“Jaitley spoke to me this morning and said the Centre would resolve all issues, including the special status issue. He subsequently made an announcement in Parliament on this. He has to keep his word,” Mr Naidu said.
Over the last three days, the TDP chief targeted Mr Jaitley, saying the latter’s claims in Rajya Sabha on extension of financial assistance to AP were “not acceptable”.
“BJP and TDP are partners, so we have the responsibility to do justice to AP,” he said.
Replying to a question, the Chief Minister said his party MPs were not yet granted an appointment by the Prime Minister to present the state’s case.
“I am going to Delhi on 4th to invite President, Vice- President, Chief Justice of India, Lok Sabha Speaker for the ‘Krishna Pushkaram’ (a festival organised once in 12 years) beginning from August 12. If he gives me an appointment, I will meet the Prime Minister as well.
“Of course, I will raise state issues, including special status, with the PM,” Mr Naidu added.
PTI