Finance Minister Arun Jaitley addressed a joint press conference in Delhi along with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu a short while ago. Jaitley spoke about the details of the meeting with the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. Jaitley told how the ball in the court of Niti Aayog now which has to prepare a road map to address all the commitments made to Andhra Pradesh in the reorganization act.
Jaitley also clarified that they are finding a way to strike balance between Manmohan Singh’s statement in Rajyasabha then and 14th Finance Commission report which recommends no Special Status to any state. When asked by media if the center is saying no to Special Status, Jaitley refused make such statement but clarified that at the end it is all about the financial implications and benefits the state get whatever may be the name.
Certain media personnel also mentioned about how Special Status turned out to be a sentimental issue in Andhra Pradesh. Jaitley said that quantum of assistance will be definitely more than the expectations of the sentiment. Jaitley did not say if Niti Aayog was set any deadline to decide on the quantum of help but it will be as quick as possible.
