Jagan Reddy meets PM Modi, discusses special status of Andhra
2019 elections fulfilled Jagan Mohan Reddy's long-nurtured dream. The YSRCP chief wanted to become Andhra Pradesh's Chief Minister once in his life. And on Thursday, citizens gave him a historic mandate. One of the first things which the CM-elect did was meet PM-elect Narendra Modi. Reddy met Modi in Delhi on Sunday and discussed various issues, including Andhra's special status.
Reddy won 151 out of 175 assembly seats
Reddy stormed towards CM chair after getting stunning numbers. Out of 175 assembly seats, YSRCP bagged 151. He also performed well in Lok Sabha polls as he won 22 out of 25 seats. Chandrababu Naidu, who remained Andhra's CM since its bifurcation in 2013, was routed. After results were announced, Naidu, who heads TDP, tendered his resignation, making way for Reddy.
BJP doesn't need us, Reddy said after meeting Modi
During his meet with Modi, Reddy reportedly discussed the state's financial condition and sought central funds. About the special status, Reddy said, "If the BJP had been limited to 250 seats, we wouldn't have had to depend so much on the central government. But now, they don't need us. We did what we could do and told him (PM) of our situation."
Reddy is ready to meet Modi as many times
"Today was the first meeting with PM. God willing I'll probably meet him maybe 30, 40, 50 times over these 5 years. I'll make it a point to remind him every time, of special category status...As long as we keep reminding, things will change," Reddy went on.
Naidu left NDA after Andhra wasn't given special status
After Telangana was carved out of Andhra, the demand for special status shaped the state's politics. To recall, Naidu walked out of NDA last year after Modi didn't give in. He staged several dharnas, slammed BJP in his speeches, and made it a case of "Telugu pride". Meanwhile, Reddy also framed his narrative around special status and looks like his appeal clicked with masses.
Notably, Modi promised all possible help
On his part, Modi called the meeting with Reddy "fruitful". "We had a fruitful interaction on several issues pertaining to AP's development. Assured him all possible support from the Centre during his term," he tweeted. Notably, Reddy also met BJP President Amit Shah sparking off rumors that he might join NDA. Reddy will take oath as Andhra's CM on May 30.
