Andhra MPs prepare for a showdown over SCS

Andhra MPs are one by one preparing for a showdown on the issue of denial of the promised Special Category Status to AP following a discussion on the issue in the Rajya Sabha in connection with a Private Member's Bill tabled by KVP Ramachandra Rao of the Congress. Rajamundry MP Maganti Murali Mohan on Saturday announced that he was prepared for any sacrifice for the SCS. Vijayawada MP Kesineni Nani said he was even prepared to sacrifice his seat if it helped the cause of the SCS. He said the welfare of the State was more important to him than the MP seat. Nani said he was prepared to hold up the proceedings in the Lok Sabha to put up the demand. He said he would discuss the issue with Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu tomorrow to draw up the future course of action for achieving the SCS. He further said the loss of two ministries in the Union Cabinet was no big deal. Nani found fault with Finance Minister Arun Jaitley's reply ruling out SCS for AP. Also the minister had said the Centre would not be able to give the funds to the State coming under the application of the promised SCS. He said the TDP had joined the Union Cabinet in the hope that the good would be done to the State.