CPI(M) accuses BJP of 'betraying' people of Andhra Pradesh

New Delhi, March 15: CPI(M) on Wednesday, March 16 accused NDA major BJP of "openly betraying" the people of Andhra Pradesh by not keeping its electoral promise of giving special status along with financial allocations to the state and said Left parties will mount pressure on the Centre over the issue.

Speaking to reporters here, CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury slammed the Centre for making a "poor" allocation of Rs 100 crore for Polavaram dam, tagged as national project, and charged the BJP with "making a joke" out of the entire episode.

According to the state government estimates, the project is likely to cost Rs 36,000 crore. "The BJP had made the promises (special status and Polavaram) when it was in opposition. It said it will implement it after coming to power.

"(But) nothing has happened two years down the line. So, this is nothing else but open betrayal of their own promises and assurances," Yechury said. He made the remarks after holding discussions with Andhra Pradesh Congress leaders over the issues here.

The Rajya Sabha member further said Left parties have already taken up the issue among people and added the same will be raised in Parliament as well. "We extended our support when the issue figured in the Parliament today. We will take it up again," he added.

PTI