TDS protests against gov, demands special category status for Andhra

Following the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh which carved out Telangana in 2014, the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had announced in Parliament that residual state of Andhra Pradesh would be accorded the special category status.

Saima Siddiqui
Published on: 1 Feb 2019 5:51 AM GMT
TDS protests against gov, demands special category status for Andhra
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TDS protests against gov, demands special category status for Andhra

New Delhi: Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MPs dressed in black, launched a protest against the central government in Parliament premises, demanding special category status for Andhra Pradesh, ahead of the presentation of the interim Budget 2019. A day- long shutdown has been called in the state in support of the demands.

The state CM N. Chandrababu Naidu reached state assembly wearing a black shirt to protest against the Central Govt. The CM wore a black shirt showing support to the protest called in by Pratyeka Hoda Sadhana Samithi (PHSS), demanding special status for the state.

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The normal life has come to a halt across Andhra Pradesh due to the shutdown.

The ruling Telugu Desdam Party (TDP), Congress, Left parties and mass organisations are backing the shutdown called by Pratyeka Hoda Sadhana Samithi (PHSS), which is fighting for special status to the state. Students and workers groups have also come together in support.

PHSS chairman Chalasani Srinivas had said on the day when the Union Budget was being presented in Parliament, the shutdown was called to draw the nation's attention towards the plight of Andhra Pradesh as Centre has failed to fulfill its promise to accord special category status.

Buses of Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) went off the roads, while shops, business establishments and educational institutions remained closed.

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Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, along with his cabinet colleagues and TDP legislators will attend the Assembly session wearing black badges.

Government Employees Association has also urged its employees to wear black badges while attending their duties.

Following the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh which carved out Telangana in 2014, the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had announced in Parliament that residual state of Andhra Pradesh would be accorded the special category status.

TDP pulled out of BJP-led NDA government at the Centre last year after the latter ruled out special status.

Chandrababu Naidu, accused Modi government of turning back on its commitment made in Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act 2014, and announced a protest to be staged in New Delhi on February 11.

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Saima Siddiqui

Saima Siddiqui

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