SCS lifeline for debt-ridden Andhra Pradesh, Jagan Mohan Reddy tells PM Modi

Vijayawada/New Delhi: Mr Jagan Mohan Reddy explained to the PM that the Special Category Status (SCS) was a “lifeline” for the debt-ridden state. “The PM's support is needed to run the state efficiently,” he told mediapersons.

“Today, the state's debt burden is very high. The debt was at Rs 97,000 crore when the state was bifurcated. In the last five years, our debt has swelled to Rs 2.58 lakh crore. Our interest repayments alone are at Rs 20,000 crore per annum,” he said. The state's principal and interest put together amount to Rs 40,000 per annum.

“This is the kind of situation we are in. We did explain to him that this being the situation, we need a lifeline from you,” he said, adding that the special status is the state’s “right” and he stops fighting for it no one else would take interest in it.

Mr Reddy said he was happy that the Prime Minister gave him a patient hearing.

“He listened to the whole thing and was positive. That’s a good sign. From here, we are hoping that things would come out positively in a better shape,” he said, adding he would continue to press his demands with Mr Modi on the issue of the special category status.

“Every time I meet him, I will definitely make it a point to remind him of the issue. I will remind him this was the word given on the floor of Parliament,” Mr Reddy said.

Mr Reddy also said that he met the BJP President, “the second-most powerful person in the country,” to seek his support for the state’s key demands.

The YSRC chief said he invited the PM and the BJP chief to his swearing-in on May 30 in Vijayawada.