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Will Narendra Modi do a Bihar in Andhra Pradesh?

Leaders of the ruling TDP believe that the package may be even higher than the Rs1,025 billion Modi announced for Bihar on the eve of the election in the state.

Hyderabad: Will Prime Minister Narendra Modi do a Bihar in Andhra Pradesh by announcing a hefty financial package for the residuary state when he lays the foundation stone for its new capital, Amaravathi, on Thursday?
That is the question uppermost in the minds of not only the politicians but also the people of the state, and with expectations running high, leaders of the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) believe that the package may be even higher than the Rs1,025 billion Modi announced for Bihar on the eve of the election in the northern state.
In fact, several ministers have been heard saying that the package likely to be announced by the prime minister would silence the opposition YSR Congress and the Congress which have been agitating to put pressure on the TDP government to seek 'Special Category' status from the Centre for the state.
Andhra Pradesh has been demanding for 'Special Category' status claiming that it was promised in the bifurcation bill passed in 2014 to form a separate Telangana State. The BJP-led NDA government at the Centre, of which the TDP is an ally, however, has made it clear on more than one occasion that 'Special Category' status was ruled out not only for AP but any other State in India.
The prime minister, sources said, is likely to announce infrastructure projects like converting some state highways into national highways, double and triple railway lines, tourism projects, funds for development of state roads besides announcing some incentives for industries to be set up in AP.
Modi, however, is unlikely to even refer to the demand for special status.
The fact that the Centre had begun gathering data and information from the state government on various projects and proposals is a clear indicator that Modi would make an announcement extending substantial financial aid, the sources said, adding that the Niti Aayog had sent a circular to all Central departments asking about pending projects and new proposals related to Andhra.
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