Congress Criticizes Modi's Slow Pace on Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act

Congress has accused the Modi government of implementing the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act 2014 at a slow pace. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh highlighted the recent nod for an oil refinery in Andhra Pradesh, a commitment originally made by Dr. Manmohan Singh's government. With the current government losing majority, rapid implementation is expected.

The Congress on Thursday criticized the Modi government for what it termed as a 'lackadaisical pace' in implementing the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act 2014, suggesting that a faster rollout might now be feasible given Prime Minister Narendra Modi's perceived loss of majority.

Addressing the media, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh pointed to a recent report indicating the Center's approval for an oil refinery and petrochemical hub in Andhra Pradesh, a major demand involving an investment of over Rs 60,000 crore.

Ramesh emphasized that the commitment to an oil refinery in Andhra Pradesh was originally made by Dr. Manmohan Singh's government and that the Modi administration was legally bound to deliver the project within a decade, a task it has failed to expedite until recently. The lack of progress led to Chandrababu Naidu's withdrawal from the NDA in 2018.

Ramesh expressed hope that now, with Modi's government purportedly losing its majority and facing diminished confidence, the project may proceed more rapidly. In the latest Lok Sabha elections, the BJP fell short of a clear majority with 240 seats, although the NDA collectively secured 293 seats. The Congress, alongside the INDIA bloc and two Independents, amassed 236 seats.