BJP led central government had declined to award the Special Status to Andhra Pradesh saying that 14th Finance Commission gave a report against giving Special Status to the state. But then YV Reddy who is the Chairman of the 14th Finance Commission busted this myth created by BJP. He went on to say that there is no relation between 14th Finance Commission and Special Status.
He also went on to say that it is not mandatory for the Government to follow the recommendations of the Finance Commission. He went on to say that in the report of the 14th Finance Commission, it was only mentioned that there is no difference between the Special Status States and Normal States.
He also told that Finance Commission will see all the states as same irrespective of the Special Status and will make recommendations according to the financial health of the states. He also agreed that Telangana remained as a surplus budget state while Andhra Pradesh ended up as deficit state due to the state bifurcation. This statement of YV Reddy will be a big shot in the arm for the warring Opposition parties if they use it rightly against TDP and BJP.
It is once again confirmed that Finance Commission Report is just a myth and BJP do not want to give the Special Status due to political reasons and due to the fear of similar demands from other states which may result in unnecessary political compulsions. But then there is no way out for Andhra Pradesh out of this mess and can only hope that the Center will be honest with the Special Package at least.
