BJP promises to extend Seemandhra's special status to 10 years

Rajahmundry (AP), Apr 25:

today promised to extend from five years to ten years the special status to

region after bifurcation, senior leader M Venkaiah Naidu said here.

"If our prime ministerial candidate and BJP win the elections and Modi is elected the Prime Minister, the special status to the residuary Andhra Pradesh will be extended to ten years," Naidu, who is campaigning for BJP-TDP candidates in east Godavari district, said during a road show.

Everybody has equal right over Hyderabad and not any person. It was built and developed by all sections of people, the former BJP chief said. Residuary Andhra Pradesh has a bright future, he said, adding that BJP has mentioned several steps to develop residuary Andhra Pradesh.

Earlier in the month of February, Prime MInister Manmohan Singh had announced that Seemandhra be given a special status to boost the morale of the people here, especially industry.

The special status is expected to help the state revive its economy to some extent, but a lot of it depends on its relation with the Centre, say experts.

PTI