With the statements made by two key ministers in Central Government on the special status to Andhra Pradesh, it is almost certain that the NDA Government is no more interested in discussing the issue. Initially Arun Jaitley and M. Venkaiah Naidu on the next day itself have raised questions over the eligibility of Andhra Pradesh to grant special status.
Jaitley cited the recommendations of the 11th Finance Commission and Mr. Naidu quoted the AP Reorganisation Act 2014 and both arrived at the conclusion that the special status to AP is no more an issue to discuss.
The situation is likely to tilt the industry focus on Hyderabad. It is certainly going to be Advantage Hyderabad if AP is not granted special status. Though there are several MoUs by AP Government, all these may not turn into reality if the state is not granted special status with huge tax and other rebates and exemptions from permissions.
One can not deny the political reasons in BJPs indifference on the issue. The TDP’s failure may become gain for BJP – this thought might be driving the BJP leadership. But it will be suicidal for the BJP if they ignore the aspirations of the people at the time of Bifurcation and the promises made by BJP during elections.