Jaitley promises special package for Andhra Pradesh as TDP MPs protest

In a clear attempt to appease the chief minister of Andhra Pradesh and his TDP towards retaining the party in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley assured the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) on Monday that announcements would be made soon on a special package for the State and four of the other 19 demands of the party. That the patch-up had more political overtones than administrative Centre-state relations was clear from the fact that BJP party president Amit Shah also took part in the discussions.

The commitment was given at a late-evening meeting between a TDP delegation, led by Union Minister Y.S. Chowdary and State Finance Minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu, and Amit Shah and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in North Block. State BJP president Hari Babu was also present.

According to sources, apart from the assurance on the special package, the FN also promised formation of a railway zone, establishment of a greenfield crude oil refinery and petrochemical complex in Kakinada and a steel plant in YSR Kadapa district.

Short of giving a definite timeline, Mr. Jaitley has said that they could be made before the Budget session ends on April 6. “We will brief Chief Minister Tuesday about Mr. Jaitley's plan and he will take a final call about whether we need to continue our protests,” said a senior TDP leader.