APCC Chief YS Sharmila demands special status for Andhra Pradesh

Vijayawada – Andhra Pradesh: Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) Chief YS Sharmila has called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan to clarify and fulfill the promises made during the state’s bifurcation, including special status, in the event in Visakhapatnam.

“Waiting for promises to be fulfilled”

YS Sharmila criticized the unfulfilled promises of special status for Andhra Pradesh, which was assured during the bifurcation process. She recalled that while Modi promised 10 years of special status at a Tirupati event, Naidu demanded 15 years. However, no tangible action has followed these commitments, leaving the state to grapple with unfulfilled expectations.

Backlog of unmet development projects

Sharmila highlighted several critical projects that remain incomplete:

Polavaram Project: Not a single drop of water has flowed from this major irrigation project in the past decade.

Kadapa Steel Plant: Promised as part of the bifurcation package, it remains unbuilt.

Visakhapatnam Steel Plant: Efforts to save the plant have been inadequate despite its strategic importance.

Industrial Corridors: Promised corridors and infrastructure to boost economic growth are yet to materialize.

Employment promises left unaddressed

The APCC Chief expressed disappointment over the failure to create jobs. She pointed out that out of the 2 crore annual jobs promised by Modi’s government, Andhra Pradesh has not received even 1 lakh jobs. This has left youth in the state disillusioned and struggling.

Special package for backward areas

Sharmila also criticized the substitution of a special package for backward areas in place of the promised special status. She argued that this alternative has neither addressed developmental gaps nor fulfilled the aspirations of the people.

Call to action in Visakhapatnam

The Congress party demands that Modi, Naidu, and Pawan address these concerns in Visakhapatnam. Sharmila urged Modi to announce special status for the state and clarify all promises made during the bifurcation process.

Time for accountability

“Words have crossed the line, but actions have not,” Sharmila remarked, emphasizing the need for accountability from both the state and central leadership. She called for the fulfillment of promises, including the establishment of Andhra Pradesh as an industrial hub with a robust economic foundation.

This statement underscores the Congress party’s focus on addressing the unfulfilled promises and developmental challenges faced by Andhra Pradesh since its bifurcation