Showing posts with label Amit Shah. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Amit Shah. Show all posts

Tuesday, 24 December 2019

PM Narendra Modi was right, no talk on pan-Indian NRC for now: Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday said there was no “link” between the National Population Register (NPR) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC). The Home Minister said the data collected for the NPR could not be used to update the controversial NRC, which he said was a “different process”.
Shah said Prime Minister Narendra Modi was right saying that there had been no discussion yet on a nationwide NRC.

Shah accused the Opposition of spreading “misinformation” on the issue, appealed to Kerala and West Bengal governments to allow NPR and conceded there might have been lack of communication on the part of the government on the issue. The home minister said the NPR was first conducted during the tenure of UPA 2 in 2010.
Opposition parties and rights activists disputed the minister's claims. They pointed to at least eight instances where the Modi government has said, including on the floor of Parliament, that the NPR data would form the basis for NRC.
The Congress said the 2010 NPR questionnaire was significantly different from the 2020 NPR questionnaire currently in the public domain. To Shah's charge that NPR’s opponents were denying the poor, including the minorities, benefits of government schemes, opposition parties said the Aadhaar took care of that need and NPR was redundant. They said the Centre should go ahead with Census 2021 but cancel NPR.
Hours after the Union Cabinet approved Rs 3,941.35 crore for NPR, Shah spoke to a private news agency. "NPR is register of population, NRC is register of citizens. There is no link between the two and the two have different processes," he said. “There should be no fear in the minds of any citizen, specially minority... our Muslim brothers... that NPR data will be used for NRC,” Shah said.
“NPR is the basis for the structure of government schemes. A few things are new in the NPR like what is the area of the house, how many cattle, etc,” he said. Shah indicated that he might reach out to chief ministers who have announced they would not conduct NPR in their states, and also said the provision of detention centres was put in place during the UPA years.
The minister’s comments come in the wake of widespread nationwide protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and NRC by students, activists, and political parties. Nearly two dozen people have been killed in violence and police action related to these protests.
Congress Spokesperson Ajay Maken said Shah's claim of "no link" between the NPR and the NRC was a "bigger lie" than what the PM had said at the Ramlila ground on Sunday. Maken said the Ministry, in its annual report in 2018-19, had stated that the NPR was the first step to NRC. Maken and other opposition parties pointed to statements by ministers in Parliament connecting NPR and NRC, and said the government was now caught in a trap of its own.
“We started it, but we never linked it to the NRC. Who is linking the NPR to the NRC? NPR alone is fine, but when you link it with NRC, it becomes draconian. Then it becomes something which is a violation of human rights and of the secular credentials of the Constitution,” Maken said.
The CPI (M) polit bureau asked all CMs opposing NRC to “abandon” the NPR activities in their respective states. It said the NPR exercise will require people to declare date and place of birth of parents along with furnishing data on 21 additional points. “Most of the data being collected now was not collected in the last NPR exercise in 2010,” it said.
It is clear that the NPR is the first stage of the exercise to implement the NRC, the CPI(M) said. “Notwithstanding the untruths of PM Modi, it is abundantly clear that the NPR will lay the foundation for the NRC,” the statement said. CPI (M) chief Sitaram Yechury said while the Census should continue, the NPR should be cancelled.

Wednesday, 27 November 2019

Parliament highlights: SPG Bill, UT merger, FM's views on economy, and more

In Parliament today, the Bill to amend Special Protection Group Act was one of the biggest developments. As the House took up the SPG (Amendment) Bill for discussion, Home Minister Amit Shah said the elite protection unit was set up only for shielding the prime minister and amendments brought in by the Modi government will restore the original intent of the Act.
Congress leader Manish Tewari said that the SPG should be kept above party biases in a multi-party democracy.
In the Rajya Sabha, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that growth in India may have come down, but the country is not facing recession.
"Economic growth may have slowed but there is no recession, there can be no recession," she asserted.
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06:19 PM
No concrete evidence emerged with respect to IAF AN-32 that went missing in 2016: Minister of State for Defence Shripad Naik in Lok Sabha
06:19 PM
32 steps taken to revive growth in economy bearing fruits: FM Sitharaman
06:19 PM
Lok Sabha passes The Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu (Merger of Union Territories) Bill, 2019
06:03 PM
Lagged effect of twin balance sheet crisis faced by banks resulted in GDP falling in last two financial years: FM
06:03 PM
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code yielding results; Rs 70,000 cr capital infusion in banks seeing results in rise in liquidity: FM Sitharaman
06:02 PM
Rs 2.5 trillion distribution in loan outreach programme, says FM Nirmala Sitharaman, dismissing notion of liquidity being a problem in economy
05:42 PM
India successfully thwarted Pak's attempts to paint alarmist situation after J-K move: Jaishankar in Parliament
India has successfully thwarted Pakistan's attempts to present an alarmist situation in the region in the wake of reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Wednesday.

He said Pakistan repeatedly resorted to "false and malicious" propaganda against India on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir at international fora such as the United Nations, the UN Human Rights Council and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. Read more
05:33 PM
Economic growth may have come down but there is no recession; there will be no recession: FM Sitharaman in Rajya Sabha
05:19 PM
Security of Gandhi family not withdrawn but only changed, says Amit Shah
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said security of Congress president Sonia Gandhi and her children Rahul and Priyanka has not been withdrawn but changed to 'Z-plus' with ambulance.

Replying to the debate on the SPG (Amendment) Bill, he asserted that the BJP does carry out any action with a vindictive approach and it was the Congress which took many such decisions in the past.
05:17 PM
Lok Sabha passes bill to amend SPG Act
03:08 PM
MoS for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai in written reply in Rajya Sabha on whether citizenship will be granted to Hindu or any other individual of minority group from Pakistan, Bangladesh&Afghanistan: They can seek Indian citizenship under relevant provisions of Citizenship Act 1955.
03:07 PM
Arun Singh to be the BJP's candidate from Uttar Pradesh for Rajya Sabha, KC Ramamurthy to be the party's candidate from Karnataka.
02:49 PM
Anand Sharma, Congress in Rajya Sabha: BJP said in its manifesto that it will invest 25 lakh crores in agriculture in 5 years that means 5 lakh crores each year. But only 53,000 crores was allocated in budget.The question is of credibility. Farmers must trust what government says

02:49 PM
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, in Lok Sabha: SPG cover will also be given to a former Prime Minister and his family, living at a residence allotted by the government, for a period of 5 years.
02:48 PM
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, in Lok Sabha: I have come here with an amendment in Special Protection Group (SPG) Act. After the amendment, under this Act, SPG cover will be given only to the PM and members of his family who live officially with him at the PM's residence.
02:23 PM
Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Bill, 2019 passed by Lok Sabha
The Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes (Production, Manufacture, Import, Export, Transport, Sale, Distribution, Storage and Advertisement) Bill, 2019 has been passed by Lok Sabha.
01:54 PM
Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI) tells Lok Sabha that a total of 1608 projects are being monitored by MOSPI as of July 1
01:52 PM
Attempts are being made by Pakistan based terrorists to reactivate their camp in Balakot: MoS Home GK Reddy
MoS Home GK Reddy in Rajya Sabha: Inputs indicate that attempts are being made by Pakistan based terrorists to reactivate their camp in Balakot and restart their religious and Jihadi indoctrination courses against India. Indian govt committed to take steps to protect borders.
01:39 PM
Union Minister for Housing & Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri in Rajya Sabha: So far as slums are concerned, figures that are being made available are those for which we don't bear any responsibility because land is state subject and each state government will have those figures.
01:39 PM
Aim to build 6 million individual household toilets in urban areas: Hardeep Singh Puri
Union Minister for Housing & Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri in Rajya Sabha: We had a target to build 6 million individual household toilets in urban areas. As against the target we have already built more than 6.7 million toilets.
01:37 PM
Union Civil Aviation Minister HS Puri: If we don't privatise Air India, where will we get the money from to operate it? Right now, Air India is a first class asset & we will get bidders if we sell it. And if we take ideological positions then it will be difficult to run it.
01:37 PM
ANI

@ANI
Delhi: Shiv Sena leaders celebrate in Parliament premises, ahead of oath-taking ceremony of Uddhav Thackeray as Maharashtra Chief Minister on 28 November.
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01:09 PM
Aviation Minister speaks on Air India in the Parliament
Aviation Minister in Parliament: Alternative mechanism on Air India has taken some decisions. Issue of inviting bids to arise only after process completion
01:01 PM
Terrorist incidents are close to nil in Kashmir after abrogation of Article 370, says Rajnath Singh
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh answering to Congress MP S Kodikunnil on J&K: Security forces and police are working in coordination and taking appropriate action. Terrorist incidents are close to nil in Kashmir after abrogation of Article 370. Normalcy is fast returning to J&K
12:49 PM
Govt is aware of the shortcomings: Rao Inderjit Singh responds to Tharoor on GDP data
Rao Inderjit Singh, MoS(Ind), Statistics and Programme Implementation in Lok Sabha replying to Congress MP Shashi Tharoor: Govt is aware of the shortcomings. It is a continuous process and we are trying to upgrade it. We will be happy to have any inputs.
12:47 PM
Congress raises issue of delayed GST compensation payment to states
The Congress on Wednesday raised in Rajya Sabha the issue of the Centre delaying payment of compensation to states for revenue shortfall in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) since August, saying this may lead to stoppage of development work and payments to employees.

Raising the issue through a Zero Hour mention, Pratap Singh Bajwa (Cong) said states gave up the right to levy taxes in the interest of 'one-nation-one-tax' regime of GST.

When the GST subsumed 17 different central and state levies in July 2017, states were assured that they will be compensated for any loss of revenue vis a vis pre-GST position, for the first five years of the introduction of GST.

Bajwa said initially the compensation was to be paid on a monthly basis and later once in two months.

But the compensation for August, September and October has been pending and it is end November with no sight of when it will be paid, he said.

Punjab, he said, is to receive Rs 2,100 crore in GST compensation and together with Rs 2,000 crore arrears its total dues are Rs 4,100 crore.

Delays in payment is "grossly unfair" for small states as it may "stall development work and payment of pensions," he said.
12:29 PM
There are terrorist attacks in many parts of Kashmir. Where is normalcy is J&K?: Congress MP in Lok Sabha
Congress MP S Kodikunnil in Lok Sabha: There are terrorist attacks in many parts of Jammu & Kashmir. Where is normalcy is J&K? Government is misleading the House.
Government should make a statement.

12:28 PM
Govt must bring white paper on status of Indian economy: Sitaram Yechury
CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury on Wednesday demanded that the government bring out a white paper on the status of the economy referring to India Ratings and Research data which has lowered GDP growth forecast for current fiscal to 4.7 per cent.'

"This is the third quarter since the growth rate has fallen in the country. If this is not recession, then what is it? The government must bring a white paper on the status of Indian economy," tweeted Yechury.

Indian economy may have slowed for the sixth consecutive quarter in July-September to 4.7 per cent, Fitch group firm India Ratings and Research said on Tuesday, as it lowered GDP growth forecast for current fiscal for the fourth time.

Sitaram Yechury

@SitaramYechury
Stop appeasing the rich and giving tax concessions to the corporates.
Instead use these monies for public investment to increase employment, people's purchasing power while building our much needed infrastructure. https://twitter.com/SitaramYechury/status/1199568765433696258 …
Sitaram Yechury

@SitaramYechury
This is the third quarter since the growth rate has fallen in the country. If this is not recession, then what is it?
The government must bring a white paper on the status of Indian economy. https://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/ind-ra-lowers-fy20-growth-to-56/article30090030.ece …
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12:18 PM
The fact is that we're facing a crisis in terms of statistical credibility worldwide, says Tharoor
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor during Question Hour in Lok Sabha: The fact is that we're facing a crisis in terms of statistical credibility worldwide. The constant revision of numbers by govt. For eg, - govt's own Chief Economic Advisor questioning revision of GDP growth from 6.7% to 8.2%
12:08 PM
Our economic success depends on credible numbers: Tharoor in Lok Sabha
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor in Lok Sabha: Would the Govt agree to having a review by a committee of independent experts to look into the processes being followed & sources used in gathering data in our country? Our economic success depends on credible numbers.

Tuesday, 6 August 2019

Kashmir debate LIVE: Lok Sabha passes Bill reorganising Jammu and Kashmir

Union Home Minister Amit Shah listens to other parliamentarians during the resolution on Kashmir in the Lok Sabha, in New Delhi
Jammu and Kashmir LIVE updates: The Lok Sabha is debating Narendra Modi government's decision to revoke the autonomy of Jammu and Kashmir, after a Rajya Sabha discussion Monday.
The Rajya Sabha approved a resolution scrapping provisions of Article 370 of the Constitution that gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), and passed another Bill approving the bifurcation of the state into two Union territories, amid protests by the Opposition.
Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh were among the ministers who defended the government in the Lok Sabha. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and party MP Shashi Tharoor spoke against the government's decision.
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07:31 PM
Jyotiraditya Scindia supports govt on Article 370
Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia says he supports move on J-K and Ladakh and Kashmir's full integration into Union of India. Scindia says on Twitter "constitutional process" should have been followed.

Jyotiraditya M. Scindia

@JM_Scindia
I support the move on #JammuAndKashmir & #Ladakh and its full integration into union of India.
Would have been better if constitutional process had been followed. No questions could have been raised then. Nevertheless, this is in our country’s interest and I support this.
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07:10 PM
Lok Sabha passes Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill
Lok Sabha votes in favour of Bill reorganising Jammu and Kashmir by two-thirds majority. House also passes Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Bill
06:46 PM
Article 370 didn't help Kashmir: Amit Shah
"What have the people of Jammu and Kashmir got from Article 370--nothing," says Amit Shah. "It has only encouraged terrorism.
06:37 PM
Vote bank politics won't work in Kashmir: Amit Shah
Vote bank politics won't work in Kashmir anymore, says Amit Shah. "Three families have ruled Kashmir. The hullaballoo over scrapping Article 370 is because Modi government has Anti-Corruption Bureau to investigate."
06:32 PM
Progressive laws didn't reach Kashmir: Shah
A law banning child marriage could not be implemented in Kashmir because of Article 370: Amit Shah. "How did that help Kashmir? National Commission for Minorties could reach Kashmir."
06:28 PM
Article 370 hurt development: Amit Shah
Article 370 hurt development in Jammu and Kashmir. It was against women and Dalits. It helped terrorists: Amit Shah
06:26 PM
Historic blunder corrected: Amit Shah
Shouldn't we find a new way for Kashmir? We are correcting a historic blunder there: Amit Shah
06:06 PM
It was Nehru who abruptly declared a ceasefire when India was at war against Pakistan over Kashmir. It was Nehru who took the Kashmir matter to the UN: Home Minister Amit Shah responds to Congress leader Manish Tewari's speech.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah speaks in the Rajya Sabha during the Budget Session of Parliament in New Delhi on Monday | Photo: PTI
06:04 PM
If Nehru had given free hand to forces, PoK would have been ours: Amit Shah
If Pandit Nehru had given a free hand to Indian forces, Pakistan Occupied Kashmir would have been ours: Amit Shah
Union Home Minister Amit Shah speaks in the Rajya Sabha during the Budget Session of Parliament in New Delhi on Monday | Photo: PTI
05:55 PM
Amit Shah rises to speak in Lok Sabha
Constitution was clear on Article 370, confusion was created in people's minds: Amit Shah
Union Home Minister Amit Shah speaks in the Rajya Sabha during the Budget Session of Parliament in New Delhi on Monday | Photo: PTI
05:52 PM
PM Modi arrives in Lok Sabha
PM Modi arrives in Lok Sabha. BJP MPs chant Vande Mataram to wlecome him.
05:51 PM
China ''opposes'' decision to create Ladakh Union Territory
Commenting on the Indian government's decision to create Ladakh Union Territory, which involves the territory of the western section of the Sino-Indian border, the Beijing said, "China always opposes India's inclusion of Chinese territory in the western section of the China-India boundary under its administrative jurisdiction."
Ladakh
Ladakh. Photo: Reuters

05:47 PM
China on asks India, Pakistan to exercise restraint on Kashmir
Voicing serious concern over the situation in Kashmir, China on Tuesday asked India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and avoid actions that "unilaterally" change the status quo and exacerbate tensions between the two countries.
A CRPF jawan stands guard as situation in Kashmir continues to be tense and uncertain, in Srinagar, Sunday, Aug. 4, 2019. There are apperhenensions of prolonged law and order problem in the Valley | Photo: PTI
A CRPF jawan stands guard as situation in Kashmir continues to be tense and uncertain, in Srinagar, Sunday, Aug. 4, 2019. There are apperhenensions of prolonged law and order problem in the Valley | Photo: PTI
05:43 PM
Farooq Abdullah neither detained nor arrested: Amit Shah
Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah has neither been detained nor arrested and he is at his home of his own free will, Home Minister Amit Shah said in Lok Sabha.
Farooq Abdullah
Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Farooq Abdullah in Srinagar. Photo: PTI

05:18 PM
Shashi Tharoor compares Kashmir decision to 'disaster of demonetisation'
Shashi Tharoor in Lok Sabha:
We all remember the last time the Prime Minister unleashed a decision on the nation which was also initially applauded for his decisiveness just like today -- the disaster of demonetisation. The nation is still dealing with devastating consequences of that action.
Shashi Tharoor
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor | Photo: PTI
05:14 PM
Pakistan considering to call back High Commissioner from India, according to Pakistan media reports: ANI
Article 370
People hold signs and chant slogans as they attend a rally in solidarity with the people of Kashmir, in Karachi, Pakistan August 5, 2019. Photo: Reuters
05:05 PM
A West Bank in Kashmir: Asaduddin Owaisi
"Are you trying to create a Bantustan in Kashmir", says Hyderabad MP and AIMIM Asaduddin Owaisi. "Kashmiris can't come out or use their cell phones--they can't come even out of their homes. Are you trying to create a West Bank in Kashmir," he says.
04:40 PM
NDTV

@ndtv
"I was detained in my house. I feel sad that Home Minister can lie like this and say that I am not detained": Farooq Abdullah, former Chief Minister, Jammu and Kashmir
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4:15 PM - Aug 6, 2019
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04:39 PM
I'm under arrest: Farooq Abdullah rejects Amit Shah's statement
Farooq Abdullah says he was under house arrest in Srinagar, rejecting Home Minister Amit Shah's statement in Parliament. "I heard the statement of the home minister of India that Farooq Abdullah is free and is staying in the house out of his own will. I thought how can he be lying when a DSP has been placed outside my house and no one can come in and no one can go out," he told Times Now TV channel, according to news agency PTI.
04:21 PM
Petition filed before SC
An advocate called M L Sharma has a filed a petition before the Supreme Court Tuesday challenging the Presidential order on Article 370 to revoke the special status given to Jammu and Kashmir. Sharma is likely to mention his plea for urgent listing before the apex court on Wednesday.
02:16 PM
Creation of Ladakh' India's internal matter: Lankan PM Ranil Wickremesinghe
Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has said that the creation of Ladakh as a Union Territory is an internal matter of India.

“The creation of Ladakh and the consequential restructuring are India's internal matters,” Wickremesinghe said in a communique posted on social media sites.
The Sri Lankan prime minister said that Ladakh will finally become an Indian state.

"I understand Ladakh will finally become an Indian state. Buddhists are 70 per cent of Ladakh's population and it will be the first Indian state with Buddhist majority,” he said.

The prime minister said that he has been to Ladakh and "it is really worth a visit,” he added.

Sri Lanka is a Buddhist majority country with 74 per cent of its citizens following the religion.
02:07 PM
ANI

@ANI
Indresh Kumar, RSS on Article 35A &370 revoked: I welcome the decision. Even UNO will not oppose it. UNO justice will also support India in this. Pakistan agar koi uchal-khood karta hai, toh usko Pakistan occupied J&K se apne claim ko wapas lena hoga. https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1158647479920922624 …
ANI

@ANI
Indresh Kumar, RSS on Article 35A&370 revoked: Today's govt has done a Himalayan task. It is a big achievement of the country’s unity. Because the then Nehru govt took the Kashmir issue to the United Nations, this issue was escalated. It was a big mistake of Pandit Nehru&Congress
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02:06 PM
Jammu and Kashmir policy planning group of Congress party to meet today in Delhi.
02:05 PM
JD(U) walks out of Lok Sabha over J&K Re-organisation Bill
02:04 PM
2 Rajasthan Congress leaders congratulate Modi's J&K move
Two Rajasthan Congress leaders have welcomed the move and congratulated the Centre on its decision.

State Minister for Sports Ashok Chandna tweeted: "This comes as my personal opinion. Scrapping of Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir is the first decision of the government that I welcome."

"The transformation of Article 370 should not follow dictatorship, rather should be resolved peacefully while winning the trust of people so that none of the citizens of the nation face any challenge in the future," he said.

Another senior Congress leader Dr Jyoti Mirdha, who is a former Member Parliament and granddaughter of Dr Nathuram Mirdha, congratulated the government for it bold step to integrate India.

"Nation first! Opposing for the heck of opposing is no virtue. Join in, congratulate the government for taking a bold step towards integrating India," she tweeted.
01:59 PM
Leaders under house arrest must be released, Omar Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti are not terrorists, says Mamata Banerjee


01:58 PM
Implementation of Article 370 should not be through dictatorship: Rajasthan sports minister
Rajasthan's youth affairs and sports minister Ashok Chandna on Tuesday said the implementation of Article 370 should be in an atmosphere of peace and trust rather than through dictatorship. Chandna in a tweet said he welcomes the Centre's decision of scrapping Article 370 of the Constitution. He, however, stressed that it should take place in a manner that no citizen face any problem in future.
01:57 PM
West Bengal CM, Mamata Banerjee on Article 370: We cannot support this bill
West Bengal CM, Mamata Banerjee: We cannot support this bill. We cannot vote for this bill. They should have spoken to all political parties and the Kashmiris. If you need to arrive at a permanent solution, then you have to talk to all stakeholders.
01:56 PM
Prashant Bhushan: Bifurcation of J&K requires consent of the elected assembly of the State
Activist, Prashant Bhushan: Bifurcation of J&K requires consent of the elected assembly of the State
01:56 PM
Jitender Singh, BJP leader: Congress had misused Article 370 for their own political purposes

Sunday, 25 March 2018

TDP exit political stunt, not Andhra concern: Amit Shah; full text, updates

In a move that might have done away with any possibility of a rapproachement with N Chandrababu Naidu' Telugu Desam Party (TDP), which recently pulled out of the ruling National Democratic Allinace (NDA) at the Centre, Bharatiya Janata Paty (BJP) President Amit Shah on Saturday stated that TDP's actions were driven by political considerations, and not a concern for Andhra Pradesh.
In a nin-page letter written to Naidu, Shah challenged the TDP and other Opposition parties to bring a no-confidence motion, saying the government enjoyed a majority in Paarliament. Formalising the split between BJP and TDP, Shah unleashed an attack on Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, saying TDP's decision to quit the NDA was unilateral "guided wholly and solely by political considerations instead of development concerns".
In his letter, released on Saturday, Shah described as "untrue and baseless" the TDP chief's allegations that the BJP was not sensitive to the aspirations of the people of Andhra Pradesh. He said the central government had released Rs 10.5 billion (Rs 1,050 crore) in the first three years of coming to power as special development assistance for seven backward districts of the state. "Surprisingly, the state has spent only 12 per cent of this amount, and 88 per cent remains unutilised," Amit Shah said.
On Naidu’s claims that the government had asked for the amount to be taken back because it was released without PMO's sanction, Shah said, “this is nothing but a figment of your imagination”.
On March 16, the TDP walked out of the NDA over the BJP-led Centre's failure to accord a special-category status to Andhra Pradesh. Eight days earlier, on March 8, the party had pulled out two of its ministers in the Narendra Modi-led central government — Ashok Gajapathi Raju and Y S Chowdary — and last Friday issued a notice to move a no-confidence motion against the Modi government, protesting non-implementation of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014. Several Opposition parties, including the Congress, Trinamool Congress, Nationalist Congress Party, Samajwadi Party, the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul Muslimeen (AIMIM) and Rashtriya Janata Dal have expressed their support to the no-confidence notice.
The government, meanwhile, is not likely to face a major problem in defending the motions, whenever they are taken up: At present, the Lok Sabha has 539 members, of whom more than half, or 273, are from the BJP. The government would to beat the halfway mark of 270 to defend itself. Besides, it also has the support of several allies like the Shiv Sena and the Shiromani Akali Dal.
Here are the top 10 developments around Amit Shah's statements against N Chandrababu Naidu and TDP's exit from the ruling National Democratic Alliance at the Centre:
1. Amit Shah says TDP exit a political stunt: In his nine-page letter addressed to TDP chief and Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu, released on Saturday, Amit Shah claimed that TDP's decision to exit NDA and bring a no-confidence motion against the Narendra Modi government at the Centre was driven wholly by political considerations, and not by a concern for the people of Andhra Pradesh.
ALSO READ: TDP's decision to quit NDA 'unfortunate, unilateral': Amit Shah to Naidu
2. 'Amit Shah's letter false': Lashing out at Amit Shah's nine-page letter, Chandrababu Naidu said, "Amit Shah's letter is full of false information which shows their attitude. Even now Centre is providing special benefits to Northeastern states. Had Andhra Pradesh been given the same hand holding, many industries would have come to the state."
23h
ANI

@ANI
Amit Shah in his letter says centre gave many funds to the state, we couldn't utilise them. They're trying to say #AndhraPradesh govt is incapable. Our govt has good GDP, agriculture & many national awards. That's our capability. Why are you spreading lies?: CM Chandrababu Naidu pic.twitter.com/e7vNUSQwyv

ANI

@ANI
Amit Shah's letter is full of false information which shows their attitude. Even now Centre is providing special benefits to North Eastern states. Had #AndhraPradesh been given the same hand holding, many industries would have come to the state: Andhra CM N Chandrababu Naidu pic.twitter.com/3j67PKGijU
3:12 PM - Mar 24, 2018
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Naidu had earlier asked TDP MPs and senior party leaders to impress on other opposition parties the need to bring in the no-confidence motion against the Modi-led government at the Centre. He sought to know why the party MPs and leaders were not taking up discussion on the no-confidence motion.
ALSO READ: Chandrababu Naidu's TDP quits NDA, to move no-confidence motion against BJP
3. 'Ready to face no-confidence motions': Amit Shah challenged the Opposition to bring the no-confidence motion.
He said, "BJP govt is all prepared to face the motion, we have the absolute majority with us," according to news agency ANI.
"We are ready to debate on all issues but it is the opposition which doesn't want the House to function," Shah said.
The Congress party on Friday moved a no-confidence motion against the Narendra Modi government in the Lok Sabha, even as Speaker Sumitra Mahajan continued to insist she couldn’t consider other no-confidence motions moved by the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) amid din. Mallikarjun Kharge, leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha, will move the no-confidence motion when the House reconvenes on Tuesday. The motion has been listed for Tuesday and the Congress has issued an order to all its MPs to be present in the House on that day.
4. 'BJP committed to developing Andhra Pradesh': Shah said the BJP was committed to the cause of development of Andhra Pradesh but Naidu's allowed the mandate earned by the two parties "be squandered for political reasons". He also cited a number of development projects undertaken by the Centre for the state, besides funds given to it, as he sought to reject the charge that the Modi government had not fulfilled its promises.
"This decision is both unfortunate as well as unilateral. It is a decision, I am afraid will be construed as being guided wholly and solely by political considerations instead of development concerns. It is widely known that the Union Government has not left any stone unturned in ensuring growth and prosperity of Andhra Pradesh," Shah said in the letter. "You may recall that during the previous Lok Sabha and in Rajya Sabha, when your party did not have adequate representation, it was the BJP that set the agenda and ensured that justice is done to the hardworking Telugu people in both states."

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“The decision of TDP to quit NDA is unfortunate as well as unilateral, wholly and solely guided by political considerations instead of developmental concerns of Andhra Pradesh”, Shri @AmitShah writes an open letter to Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu http://bit.ly/2ugHr2T
10:04 AM - Mar 24, 2018
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Listing five infrastructure projects the Central government has initiated in the state, Shah said: "A perusal of these would reaffirm what you already know and perhaps would not admit that Central government has fulfilled its obligations and that BJP is a genuine friend add true well wisher of the state. On the issue of special status for Andhra Pradesh, it is regrettable that some political parties are whipping up public sentiments rather than encouraging an informed debate which is the cornerstone of a vibrant democracy."
5. Shah accuses Naidu of 'serious lapses': Amit Shah accused the state government of "some serious lapses...which can't be ignored".
He said he had learnt that the Centre had not received appropriate fund utilisation details, particularly with regards to developmental fund.
"Utilisation certificates have been received only for 12 per cent of the grant released for backward districts in 2016-17...only 8 per cent for Rs 1,000 crore (Rs 10 billion) released for the capital region,” he said in the letter.
"Since it is mandatory for the central government to have these details to release further instalments, it cannot be blamed for fund lapses. Therefore, your statements that the state government has no obligation to give any such statements of expenditure reflect governance deficit,” the letter added.
Shah said the decision "will be construed as being guided wholly and solely by political considerations instead of developmental concerns".
"I would like you to introspect whether political parties should be pitting sentiments and development against each other to further their political agenda," Shah told Naidu.
ALSO READ: YSR Congress moves a no-confidence motion in Lok Sabha against Modi govt
6. TDP wants all-party meet on special category status for Andhra Pradesh
TDP) on Thursday requested Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan to hold an all-party meeting to discuss the issue of special category status to Andhra Pradesh, after proceedings in the House remained paralysed for the 14th day.
The party also alleged that the protests by Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) and AIADMK in the two Houses were "planted".
"We are sad over the manner in which both the houses are conducted," TDP's Rajya Sabha MP Y S Chowdary said today after the Lok Sabha could not take up for the fourth day the no-confidence motion notices given by his party against the government over the special status issue.
ALSO READ: TDP wants all-party meet on special category status for Andhra Pradesh
7. Dressed as a cattle herder, TDP MP protests outside Parliament
TDP MP Naramalli Sivaprasad on Friday sported the look of cattle herder to protest against the denial of special category status to Andhra Pradesh, at the Parliament premises.
The protest that is taking place for a while now has been taken to a different level by Sivaprasad, the TDP MP from Chittoor. With his creative costumes, he has been successful in grabbing the attention at least to himself, if not on the issue.
From dressing up as a schoolboy, the Chittoor MP has even donned a sari as a part of the protest.
ALSO READ: Dressed as a cattle herder, TDP MP protests outside Parl.
8. TDP calls for statewide agitation
The Telugu Desam Party will on Thursday hold a statewide peaceful protest in the support of party MPs' agitation in the Parliament.
Calling for the agitation, TDP Andhra Pradesh unit president K. Kala Venkatrao in a teleconference with MPs, MLAs, MLCs, in-charges and other party leaders told them to sit on demonstration and protest meetings in major junctions of all constituencies.
Venkatrao said the agitation must be peaceful and should not cause any trouble to the layman.
ALSO READ: TDP calls for statewide agitation
9. ‘Centre committing political suicide’: TDP politburo member and Andhra Pradesh Finance Minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu said the government had no authority to “reject” a no-confidence motion when a notice had been served.
"Running away from facing a no-confidence motion is like committing political suicide. Not taking up such a motion for discussion is against parliamentary traditions," said Yanamala, previously the Speaker of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly.
"It is not proper for the Speaker to reject the motion citing disorder in the House. It is the responsibility of the government to run the House in order," he said.
10. ‘Centre behind the agitation’: Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan had said she was unable to take up the no-confidence motion as there was no order in the House. Yanamala asked if the AIADMK, which was raising protests in the well of the House, was not a party friendly to the BJP. "The Centre is behind the agitation by friendly parties in the Lok Sabha, only to run away from facing a no-confidence motion. The happenings in the House are proof enough," he added.
On Tuesday, Opposition parties in the Lok Sabha appeared united over a no-confidence motion against the government, which was not taken up, as members of AIADMK and TRS protested near the Speaker's podium.
But Ananth Kumar says, willing to discuss no-confidence motion: Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar on Tuesday said the government would not curtail the ongoing Parliament session and that it was ready to discuss all the issues, including the no-confidence motions against it.
At the same time, Kumar added that the government was determined to go ahead with the key Bills, including the one on triple talaq and the abolition of the Unregulated Deposit Schemes Bill, 2018. He added that the House would function according to schedule until April 6.
Kumar added that the government had been telling the Opposition, including the Congress, since day one that it was ready to discuss all the matters, including the Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud, special package to Andhra Pradesh, Cauvery river water dispute and the no-confidence motion. "We are ready to discuss all the issues. We are waiting for both the Houses to function properly. We are ready to reply on all the issues."
Stating that the NDA enjoys confidence "inside and outside" the Parliament, Ananth Kumar has ruled out any threat to the Narendra Modi government from the no-confidence motions moved against it.
Here is the full text of Amit Shah's Letter To Chandrababu Naidu
Dear Sri Chandrababu Naidu Garu,
First and foremost, I would like to wish you and my five crone sisters and brothers of Andhra Pradesh a Happy Ugadi. May the New Year bring happiness and good health in everyone's lives.
I am writing this letter after the Telugu Desam Party's decision to quit the NDA family. This decision is both unfortunate as well as unilateral. It is a decision; I are afraid, will be construed as being guided wholly and solely by political considerations instead of developmental concerns.
BJP has been a firm believer in the concept of Politics of Performance and 'development for all' has been our guiding principle. Andhra Pradesh figures very prominently on our agenda of National Development and it is widely known that the Union Government led by the Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has left no stone unturned in ensuring the growth and prosperity of Andhra Pradesh.
Since the discussion of bifurcating united Andhra Pradesh till the present, it is the BJP that has led the voice of safeguarding the welfare of Telugu people in both the Telugu states. This is in direct contrast to the Congress Party, which not only mismanaged the bifurcation but also showed zero sensitivity towards the Telugu people, which is in line with their historic apathy to the Telugu community.
You may recall that during the previous Lok Sabha and in the Rajya Sabha, when your party did not have adequate representation, it was the BJP that set the agenda and ensured that justice is done to the hardworking Telugu people in both the states.
Since getting the opportunity to serve at the Centre, the BJP-led NDA Government, of which you were an integral constituent, has nurtured the new state of Andhra Pradesh with the spirit that this is the state that suffered at the time of state's oifurcation. There is an element of sensitivity and a firm commitment for the cause of Andhra Pradesh's development in the way the NDA Government at the Centre has worked for Andhra Pradesh.
This becomes evident from the massive resource allocations to the state of Andhra Pradesh over the past four years and the fact that already most of the promises made in the AP Reorganisation Act, 2014 are poised towards fulfillment.
The BJP has always pursued developmental politics with the objective of transforming peoples lives. The manner in which people have blessed us over the past four years throughout the country demonstrates the public support for our positive agenda. Your assertion that the BJP is not sensitive to the aspirations of the people of Andhra Pradesh and has not implemented the provisions of the AP Reorganisation Act, 2014 and assurances given by the then Prime Minister in the Rajya Sabha is untrue and baseless.
Cooperative federalism is the guiding credo of this Government. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Moth has worked with a 'Team India' spirit, with all the Chief Ministers and devolved far more funds - 42 percent of central revenues (as against 32 percent earlier) - amounting to an additional Rs. 2 Lakh crore, to the states. All this makes it very obvious that any claim of discrimination against Andhra Pradesh is far from the facts.
Andhra Pradesh has received special assistance and attention as the young state needed nurturing and investments to give its economy a greater impetus. Facts mentioned in the following paragraphs explain how the Central Government has not only fulfilled its statutory obligations under the AP Reorganisation Act, 2014 but has gone far beyond to ensure that the state becomes financially strong.
A perusal of these would reaffirm what you already know and perhaps won't admit- that the Central Government has fulfilled its obligations and that the BJP is a genuine friend and true well-wisher of the people of Andhra Pradesh.
Schedule XIIII of the AP Reorganisation Act, 2014 has two components namely, Education and Infrastructure. While the Act mandates the Central Government to set up 11 educational institutions of national importance by the end of 13th plan i.e 2022. nine institutions namely IIT, NIT, IIIT, IIM, IISER, IIPE, Agri University, AIIMS-type Hospital cum teaching institution, NIDM) have already been established and are functioning in the state. As regards the remaining two institutions, namely a central university and a tribal university, a provision has already been made in the current year's Union budget. Would the Central Government have established these institutions and made them functional in three years ,much before the targeted year of 2022 if it was not sensitive to the needs of Andhra Pradesh?
Of the eight infrastructure projects that the AP Reorganisation Act proposes for implementation, subject to their feasibility. the Central Government has already initiated action on five feasible projects. These include:
1) HPCL's green field crude oil refinery and petrochemical complex at Kakinada
2) 800 km long Vizag-Chennai Industrial Corridor
3) Upgradation of three airports at Visakhapatnam.
Vijayawada and Tirupati to international standards 4) The following Rapid Rail and Road connectivity projects from the new capital of Andhra Pradesh Amaravathi:
A) As informed by your Government, a Techno-economic feasibility report of Greenfield expressway connecting new capital city of Amaravathi to Ananatapuram will spur connectivity to Kurnool & Cuddapah is being prepared with an estimated civil cost of about Rs. 24.000 cr. Earlier, the state was to provide land free of all encumbrances. But later, in a meeting, the Chief Secretary of the State said that it can only provide 50% of land cost as per Bharatmala Pariyojana norms. A formal reference from State in this regard is still awaited.
B) 180 km long outer ring road to the new capital town of Amravati with a budget of Rs.19,700 crone
C) New railway line between Vijayawada and Guntur via Amravati at a cost of Rs. 2680 crones
D) New railway line on Nadikudi-Srikalahasti (309 km) route at a cost of Rs. 340 crore and
E) Guntakal-Guntur line doubling project with electrification at a project cost of Rs. 3,631 crore.
5) "In principle" approval has been given for Vijayawada metro rail project at a cost of Rs. 6,769 crone and a revised proposal is still awaited from the state for the approval of the Visakhapatnam metro project.
Of the remaining infrastructure projects, Duggirajapatnam port and steel plant in YSR district have been found to be unviable initially. The Government of India has given an assurance in Parliament that Duggirajapatnam or any other port will be taken up for earliest implementation. A task force set up to re-examine the steel plant in YSR district has made recommendations for making the project viable and the Centre is working out modalities to make this happen. The issue of establishing a new railway zone is under active consideration of the Ministry of Railways and a decision in this regard will be made in due course looking into all relevant factors.
Special Category Status
On the issue of special status for Andhra Pradesh, it is regrettable that some political parties are whipping up public sentiments rather than encouraging an informed debate which is the cornerstone of a vibrant democracy. I would like you to introspect whether poetical parties should be pitting sentiments and development against each other to further their political agenda.
The 14th Finance Commission's Terms of Reference (ToR) have been amended in right earnest as per AP Reorganisation Act, 2014 as soon as our government came to power on June 2, 2014 vide President's Order published under S. O. Sc. 1424(E) to take into account the resources available to Andhra Pradesh and make recommendations thereof.
Due to the weak financial position of Andhra Pradesh, the 14° Finance Commission has awarded to the state revenue deficit grants to the tune of Rs. 22.113 crore covering the overall revenue deficit for five years. Andhra Pradesh is the only state to receive the award of revenue deficit grants for all the five years period i.e from 2015 to 2020 besides the eight north-eastern and hilly states. Does that not show that the Central Government has been sensitive to the needs of Andhra Pradesh?
The NDA government has more than doubled the extent of central assistance to Andhra Pradesh as compared to the total funds allocated in the previous five years. The total award of funds to Andhra Pradesh under tax devolution and grants under various heads during the 14' Finance Commission (2015 to 2020 which broadly corresponds to the tenure of the present NDA government) is Rs.2,44,271 crore and the break-up of this allocation is as under: Rs.1,70,686 Cr (share in central taxes), Grant-In-Ad Rs. 36,225 Cr, Revenue Deficit Grant Rs. 22,113 Cr, Local bodies grant Rs. 12.290 Cr and State Disaster Response Fund Rs. 2,957 Cr. The total award of funds and grants to Andhra Pradesh in the previous five years (2010 to 2015) was Rs. 1,17,967 crone and the Congress-led UPA government was in power for most of this period. Mn Naidu. does this massive increase in financial award to the tune of Rs.1.26.304 Cr (and a rise of 107% in percentage terms) to Andhra Pradesh not show the sensitivity of the Central Government towards the state's requirements?
Even after such massive increase in allocations, the Central Government has offered a Special Assistance Measure (Financial Package) to Andhra Pradesh in September, 2016 which was equivalent to the key financial benefits the state would have got as a special category state. Your government hailed this central assistance package as a great achievement of the state government. Suddenly, two years later, you have made a U-Turn once again demanding the special status which has become redundant in view of the financial commitments already fulfilled by the Central Government.
Under the Special Assistance Measure (Package). the amount of Externally Aided projects (EAPs) signed so far is Rs.8,991.38 Crone, while projects worth Rs.17,236 Crone are in the pipeline. Your accusation that there is a delay in the release of funds under the special package is an admission of your government's lackadaisical approach. Why is it that the state government has not acted in a speedy manner to get the externally aided projects implemented when the special assistance measure (package) was approved by the Union cabinet? If the public welfare was a priority why did your government take so long to access these funds? Why is it that your government has not responded to Central Government's suggestion of setting up a special purpose vehicle for directly receiving these funds from NABARD as desired by your government? Is it because it poses problems in diverting such funds for 'other' purposes?
As you are aware, the NDA Government had agreed to bridge the revenue gap for the year 2014-15 and a sum of Rs. 3979.50 Crore was released to the state. The Central Government has also agreed to release an additional Rs.1600 crore based on the revenue deficit estimates for the year 2015-16 by the 14. Finance Commission.
Your government's claim of Rs.16,000 crore deficit in the year 2014-15 is fallacious as this includes the state government's expenditure on farm loan waivers, pensions etc. Even our party governments in different states have implemented similar loan waiver schemes to give relief to the farmers but have met such expenditure from their own sources. The Central Government cannot be expected to meet these expenses as we cannot differentiate between state governments implementing similar welfare measures. Is it not political brinkmanship to make unjustified and exaggerated demands and then allege neglect when they are not accepted?
In keeping with the BJP's stated position at the time of reorganisation of Andhra Pradesh and articulated by the Party leaders during the debate, NDA Govt has tried to fulfill every promise made. A notification was duly issued by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) on September 30, 2016 covering the seven backward districts of Rayalaseema and north coastal districts Are you not being disingenuous in claiming in your letter that the state of Andhra Pradesh has not received industrial and tax incentives?
As regards the special developmental assistance to the seven backward districts, the Central Government has released development grants to the tune of Rs.1.050 crore in the first three years Surprisingly, the state has spent only 12% of this amount and 88% remains unutlised. Furthermore, you have been claiming that the Central Government has asked this amount be taken back as this amount was released without the PMO's permission. This is nothing but a figment of your imagination.
The commitment of Central Government towards development of Andhra Pradesh also gets reflected in increased budgetary allocation of Railways. Budget Outlay in 2014-19 has been about Rs. 14,151 crore as against Rs. 5,100 in 2009-14, an increase of about 219%. It is also worth mentioning that a total of 32 projects costing Rs. 47,989 Cr for 5,016 kms are already under execution.
New Capital City
As regards the new capital city of Andhra Pradesh. the AP Reorganisation Act, 2014 says that the Central Government shall provide special financial support for the creation of essential facilities including the Raj Bhawan, High Court, Government Secretariat, Legislative Assembly. Legislative Council, and such other essential infrastructure. Towards this end, the Central Government has already made available Rs.2,500 crore to the state government. This includes Rs.1,000 crore released by the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Government of India for the development of the capital region. The state government has spent only 8% of the Rs. 1,000 crore released by the MoHUA. When the state government has not utilized the funds given so far, how can it expect the Central Government to release any further funds for the purpose?
Polavaram Project
As regards the Polavaram project, an Advisory Committee of Ministry of Water Resources approved the cost of the Project at 2010-11 price level as Rs.16,010.45 crore including power and drinking water component of Rs.2,868 crore. Further, on 08.9.2016, the Finance Minister announced that the Central Government would provide 100% of the remaining cost of the irrigation component of the project for the period starting from 1.4.2014. to the extent of the cost of the irrigation component on that date. So far, Central Government has released Rs. 5,364.00 crore and is committed to fund the balance amount of the project as per the announcement made by Finance Minister on 08.9.2016.
Centre's Key Initiatives in AP
Going beyond statutory commitments made in the AP Reorganisation Act. 2014 and the special assistance package, Hon'ble Prime Minister and his government have given special focus to Andhra Pradesh since 2014. More than Rs. 3 lakh crore worth of infrastructure and industrial projects have been initiated in the state of Andhra Pradesh. These include an investment of over Rs. 1 lakh crore on highways and roads, investment of over Rs. 1.4 lakh crore by HPCL, GAIL and ONGC in the petroleum sector to make Andhra Pradesh a major petrochemical club. investment of Rs.38,500 crores in Vizag Steel Plant, UDAY (Discoms) scheme with a an overall net benefit of approximately Rs.4.400 crore during the period of turnaround, ultra mega solar power projects and Solar parks at a cost of Rs. 24,000 crores etc
The Central Government has allocated substantial resources for the implementation of pro-poor programmes such as Swachh Bharat Abhiyan Ujjwala Yojana, Pradhanmantri Awas Yojana etc. I am pained to learn that the efforts of Central Government on this account have been undermined by the TDP in its attempt to claim credit for these programs.
Utilisation Details
It may also be pointed out here that there are some serious lapses on the part of your Government which cannot be ignored. I learnt that the Central Government has not received appropriate fund utilization details, particularly with regards to developmental funds under desired heads. It is worth noting that the Utilisation Certificates (UCs) have been received only for 12% of the grant released for backward districts in 2016 -17 and UCs were received only for 8% for the 1000 crore released for the Capital region. Since, it is mandatory for the Central Government to have these details to release further installments: it cannot be blamed for fund lapses. Governments are accountable to the people for every single penny spent on their behalf. Therefore, your statements that the state government has no obligation to give any such statements of expenditure are evasive and reflect governance deficit.
The above facts clearly establish that the Central Government has sincerely and expeditiously implemented the provisions of the AP Reorganisation Act, 2014. Going far beyond these assurances, we have demonstrated our earnest goodwill and commitment to the 5 crone people of Andhra Pradesh by several additional initiatives enlisted in this letter.
The commitment of BJP for the cause of development and justice to Andhra Pradesh in particular is simply unquestionable. But unfortunately, the mandate earned together by both the parties is allowed to be squandered for political reasons. We were looking at TDP as our partner in the progress of the people of the Andhra Pradesh. Unfortunately, partisan politics has overtaken leading to your Party leaving the NDA.
Regardless of these facts, BJP reiterates its commitment to the people of Andhra Pradesh and will steadfastly continue to work for the development of the State.
With regards,
Amit Shah National President Bharatiya Janata Party