Rahul Gandhi promises special status to Andhra Pradesh if Congress comes to power in 2019

Congress President Rahul Gandhi has once again affirmed his stance that his party, after coming to power in 2019, would grant special status to the state of Andhra Pradesh.

Rahul Gandhi, who was addressing a gathering in Berlin, Germany, made the remarks while answering a question posed on the current political scenario in Andhra Pradesh. “The special status is not a gift that the government of India is giving the people of Andhra Pradesh. This is the right of the people of Andhra Pradesh and it is a commitment of the Prime Minister of India. If the Prime Minister of India has committed something to the people of Andhra Pradesh, then it has to be done,” he said.

Speaking further, Rahul Gandhi added, “So my commitment is that the moment the Congress party comes to power in 2019, we will deliver you special status in Andhra Pradesh.”

The Congress President also added that Narendra Modi tends to view the BJP-ruled states differently from the non-BJP-ruled states, in which he tends to “slow down” the progress.

Earlier this year, Rahul Gandhi also joined protest being staged by TDP and said that Congress supports the state’s claims.

“I’m very happy to be standing here with the people of Andhra. Our stance has been very clear…we are for Special Category Status of Andhra. The first thing we will do when we come to power in 2019, is give Special Category Status to Andhra. I’m confident that if we stand together, we will convince the government of India and Mr. Narendra Modi that what is due to the people of Andhra Pradesh should be given to them once, (sic),” Rahul Gandhi had said