Hours before Civil Aviation Minister and senior TDP leader Ashok Gajapathi Raju tendered his resignation, he spoke to The Hindu on the reasons for the TDP’s decision and chances of reconciliation.
Why has the TDP decided to pull out its Ministers from the NDA government?
In the words of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Bill, in the “residual State of Andhra Pradesh,” people didn’t want to be treated as residue material. There were certain assurances and certain promises given in the House. Then the UPA government made some commitments. Certain commitments were given by the BJP government too. People want those commitments to be met. This is where the whole problem is. In fact, where did the commitment come from? In Rajya Sabha, it was Jaitleyji and Venkaiahji, on behalf of the BJP, who asked for it. These were the commitments of then Prime Minister. Farmers have sacrificed 33,000 acres of land for making the capital Amaravati. When people sacrifice, they expect certain commitments to be met. Why we are leaving, what are we leaving for should be clear.
You have sought an appointment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Is there any chance of sorting out the issues?
We will not be discussing the problem with the Prime Minister. It [The appointment] is only to hand over our resignations and thank him for allowing us to work in his team.
Is the TDP claiming that in the last three-and-a-half years, the BJP did not give anything to the State of Andhra Pradesh?
It is wrong to say that they did not give anything. Development is going on normally. But as a State which was divided unscientifically, leaving us at a disadvantage is not correct.
Are you convinced of Mr. Jaitley’s argument that it is 14th Finance Commission that stops the government from giving Special Status to Andhra Pradesh?
The 14th Finance Commission has given its report. It is a document available in public domain. There is nothing to get convinced there. It is about devolution of funds to the States. After all, the founding fathers thought all fresh taxes should come to the union and get divided. It (the Reorganisation Act) is a commitment made in Parliament. They should honour it.
Do you feel people of Andhra Pradesh were cheated by the BJP government?
You see, that is a very strong language. That is not the question. The question is Andhra Pradesh is part of India, much less the residual State of Andhra is also part of India.
People of the State do not want to be treated as residue. So what do you do?