Protests in Andhra Pradesh over denial of special category status

VIJAYAWADA: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley's assertion that granting the special category status to Andhra Pradesh was "not possible" sparked off widespread protests across the state today with the opposition YSR Congress calling for a state-wide bandh on September 10.

Congress also called for laying siege to all highways in the state on Saturday.

The Centre last night announced a financial package for Andhra Pradesh, but stopped short of giving the state a special category status.

"BJP poured cold water on the aspirations of the people of AP," state Congress chief N Raghuveera Reddy said.

The Left parties extended support to the YSRC's bandh call. In Vijayawada, the Pratyeka Hoda Saadhana Samiti (council for securing special status) organised a massive protest.

YSRC, CPM and CPI extended support to the Samiti and called upon everyone to join hands to press for the special category status to the state.

Protests were also organised separately by YSRC and the Samiti in Guntur, Eluru, Anantapuramu, Srikalahasti, Srikakulam, Ongole and Kadapa.

The protestors denounced Jaitley's claim that granting special status to AP was not possible because of the recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission.

"The BJP has grossly betrayed the people of AP after promising special status. TDP is equally culpable in this regard," Samiti leaders said.