“This has been creating trouble between the two neighbouring states,” Chandrababu said, adding it was the Centre’s responsibility to resolve the issue expeditiously. The Chief Minister addressed a teleconference with 5,600 officials, people’s representatives, including TDP MLAs and others from his residence here and discussed the bifurcation-related issues, a release from his office said. Chandrababu also vented his ire at the Centre for releasing ‘only Rs 2,300 crore’ for bridging AP’s revenue deficit caused by the bifurcation.

“Our revenue deficit in the first year (after bifurcation) is Rs 16,000 crore but the Centre released only Rs 2,300 crore,” he pointed out. The state recorded an economic growth rate of 10.99 per cent that was three per cent more than the national average.

In terms of per capita income, however, AP lagged behind all other southern states, the Chief Minister said.

“Hence, the Centre should extend all support to us till we grow equally with other states. We should not rest till we achieve that,” he told the officials and people’s representatives.

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