Crucial decision on special status to AP today evening

The union government has speed up efforts to resolve the long pending demand to accord special status to Andhra Pradesh in New Delhi today.

Centre called an emergency meeting with AP government. Union minister for Science and technology Sujana Chowdary is representing the state in the meeting held by union Home minister Rajnath Singh and Urban Development minister M Venkaiah Naidu.

While Sujana clarified the centre that nothing short of special status will be acceptable to the AP state, the union ministers brought the proposals of special packages, industrial incentives etc in the place of special status.

Sujana said AP government is insisting to grant special status in addition to the incentives mentioned in the AP Reorganisation act.

Noticing hectic developments in new Delhi, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu cancelled all his official programs and rushed to his camp office in Vijayawada. He is busy holding meetings with his cabinet colleagues. Sujana is updating the developments to Naidu from time to time.

Venkaiah also spoke Naidu on phone and discussed the contentious issue. Naidu is planning to rush to new Delhi as the centre is likely to take a crucial decision by this evening.