The Union government is obliged to help Andhra Pradesh in the light of bifurcation, and it is the responsibility of the Centre to ‘handhold’ the State for a few years, said Finance Minister Buggana Rajendranath Reddy.
Replying to the discussion on the Annual Financial Statement (Budget) for the year in Legislative Council here on Monday, the Minister put to rest doubts raised by members about what the State government would do if the Centre did not release grants. He said he had not such doubt because he was sure the BJP leaders of the State would ensure that the Union government released the grants required.
Mr. Rajendranath Reddy said he was proud that 80% of the assurances given in the YSR Congress Party’s election manifesto had been covered in the very first budget.