Amid the ongoing debate over recognising Andhra Pradesh as a 'special category' state, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu claimed that his Telugu Desam Party (TDP) was leading a Dharam Yuddh (tussle for morals) for his people.
Addressing a gathering on account of the TDP's 37th Formation Day celebrations in Guntur on Thursday, Naidu urged the Centre to fulfil its commitments towards Andhra Pradesh as promised at the time of bifurcation.
"After bifurcation, AP became a revenue deficit state. That deficit is not yet fulfilled. I am asking the Centre for only one thing—fulfil all the promises made in Parliament and Reorganisation Act. It is our right. I would appeal to you all to stand united and support the state government, and those who don't become traitors to the state. Some forces are trying to create disturbance and violence. But we will continue our protest peacefully," he said.
Naidu also accused the Centre of 'spreading lies' regarding the quashing of the special category status for states.
"They (BJP) said the special category status is quashed. But even now, its benefits are being given to northeastern states. Then why are they not giving it to us? It is our right. The Centre is spreading lies," he said.
The TDP chief further lashed out at the state opposition parties such as YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) and Jana Sena for "playing to the tune of the BJP."
"YSRCP is a criminals' party, and Pawan Kalyan's party is a dreamers' party. Now they are playing to the tune of the BJP. We saw how BJP played dirty politics in Tamil Nadu. But it is not possible in AP. No conspiracy can diminish TDP," said Naidu.
"TDP's alliance with the BJP was done with the intention of development and not political gain. Had we not allied with BJP, we would have won 15 more seats," he added.
Hailing TDP as the party of the 'poor and downtrodden', Naidu claimed that the party will strive to eradicate poverty, nullify the financial parities, and facilitate a minimum income of Rs 10,000 per month for each family.
"Be it pension schemes, marriage gifts, insurance cover or financial assistance for higher education for poor students, the welfare schemes introduced in Andhra Pradesh are unique. Our government has given 24 x 7 power supply within 100 days of coming to power. We are efficiently using technology and supporting the Centre's Swachh Bharat mission and developing infrastructure in remote rural areas. We have made impossible projects possible. TDP is striving hard. Though leaders cheated and left the party, our cadre did not leave us. Remaining few leaders are working hard, and our party will definitely flourish in Telangana," he said.
Naidu also urged fellow party members to install fiber grid connections in order to communicate through video conferencing.