In an admission of the new realities of the National Democratic Alliance, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee were “different” from each other. His comments came during a press conference after two days of meetings with Union Ministers, including Mr. Modi, and foreign Ambassadors here.

“Under Vajpayeeji, there were so many development activities which even UPA-I benefited from… Modiji is looking at long-term development… In his manifesto, he said he would protect the interests of Andhra Pradesh as injustice has been done. He told me that he will do everything possible,” said Mr. Naidu.

Mr. Naidu added that there were many aspects of the AP Reorganisation Act, especially Schedule 9 and 10, which needed clarification. “I requested the Prime Minister to create a level-playing field between the two States. Several institutions, investments and infrastructure facilities are based in Hyderabad. Hence I have requested for assistance in creating the new capital and other grants which are there in the Act. Andhra Pradesh’s budget is now in deficit,” he explained.

Mr. Naidu did not name the new capital but said that it would be centrally located and accessible to all parts of the State. Kurnool, he added, would be made a smart-city. The demands reiterated to the Centre include special status, special incentives for industry, tax breaks for companies, relaxation of the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act, industrial clusters and extension of natural gas grids and highway networks.