The Centre hasn’t changed its stand, just like the AP MPs protests. With the ongoing protests for the past 6 days, many expected that the Centre would come down. But the Centre’s behaviour came as a shocker not only to the opposition, but also other NDA-allies. After Rajya Sabha Chairman and Vice President, Venkaiah Naidu completed his concluding speech, Arun Jaitley briefed the house about the AP Reorganization Act 2014. Just like the past two days, Jaitley’s speech did not have anything new in response to the AP MPs protests.
In fact, he did not even mention about the AP MPs protests for the past few days. The Finance Minister said the Centre is committed to fulfilling the promises made to the state of Andhra Pradesh. Follow are the key excerpts from Jaitley’s speech:
- Relevant Ministries are working to fulfil the commitments made in the AP Reorganization Act 2014
- Telangana secured more revenue during bifurcation
- We need to compensate the Revenue deficit of Andhra Pradesh
- Relevant Ministries are working on Vishakhapatnam Railway Zone, Durgarajapatnam Port and Kadapa Steel Plant
- Funds for Capital construction and Polavaram Project have been sanctioned
- We asked the relevant ministries and authorities to focus on Vishakhapatnam – Chennai corridor
- Rs 3,979 crores were sanctioned for AP during 2014 – 2015
- Educational institutions lost during the bifurcation have been re-established in AP
The TDP MPs and YSRCP MPs expressed their displeasure over Arun Jaitley’s recent announcement. The Parliament will resume on March 5th, 2018.