N※N

Andhra Pradesh Demands Fulfillment of Bifurcation Promises

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. demands-fulfillment-of-bifurcation-promises.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, February 18th 2026 at 21:55 GMT by The Hans India
      Locales: Andhra Pradesh, INDIA

Visakhapatnam, February 19, 2026 - A decade after the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act (APRA) came into effect, unresolved issues continue to hamper the state's development. Former IAS officer Vundavalli Arun Kumar today publicly called on Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy to actively and aggressively pursue the fulfillment of promises made during the 2014 bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Speaking to the media in Visakhapatnam, Kumar emphasized the critical need for a proactive approach from the state government to ensure the complete implementation of the APRA and secure long-delayed resources.

Kumar's statement comes at a time of increased scrutiny of the Centre's commitment to the APRA. While Telangana benefitted significantly from various Central assistance programs in the immediate aftermath of the bifurcation, Andhra Pradesh feels it has been shortchanged, hindering its progress in crucial sectors. The 2014 Act, intended to create a fair division of assets and liabilities, and to address the developmental disparities between the two states, is now widely viewed within Andhra Pradesh as having failed to deliver on its core objectives.

"The AP Reorganisation Act remains, in many key aspects, unimplemented," Kumar stated. "Andhra Pradesh is demonstrably suffering as a result. The promises made during the state's division - particularly regarding the provision of financial resources, infrastructure development, and specific industrial projects - have largely gone unfulfilled. It is imperative that the state government exert maximum pressure on the Centre to honor these commitments."

Specifically, Kumar highlighted deficiencies in funding for education and infrastructure projects outlined in the APRA. He pointed to a lack of investment in educational institutions, leading to a decline in the quality of education and limited opportunities for students. The delayed development of infrastructure projects, including railways, highways, and ports, is also impacting the state's economic growth and its ability to attract investment.

Kumar detailed that the Centre had pledged significant funding to address the revenue deficit faced by Andhra Pradesh after the bifurcation. These funds, intended to compensate for the loss of revenue generated by Hyderabad (which became the capital of Telangana), have reportedly been released only partially, leaving the state struggling to meet its developmental goals. He argued that the incomplete release of funds has had a cascading effect, impacting various welfare programs and social schemes.

Beyond financial shortcomings, Kumar stressed the urgent need to revisit the issue of Special Category Status (SCS) for Andhra Pradesh. The demand for SCS, which would provide the state with preferential access to Central funds and assistance, has been a long-standing one. Advocates argue that SCS is crucial for rapidly accelerating the state's economic development and bridging the gap with more developed states. Previous attempts to secure SCS were unsuccessful, and Kumar's plea represents a renewed push for this vital designation.

Analysts suggest that the timing of Kumar's statement is strategic, coinciding with the run-up to the next general elections. However, Kumar has a long-standing reputation for impartial public service, lending credibility to his concerns. His advocacy for a stronger stance against the Centre is likely to resonate with a broad spectrum of the Andhra Pradesh population, many of whom feel that their state has been unfairly treated.

The road ahead for Andhra Pradesh remains challenging. The state government must navigate complex political and bureaucratic hurdles to secure the fulfillment of promises made a decade ago. A concerted effort, involving sustained dialogue with the Centre, effective utilization of available resources, and a renewed focus on education and healthcare, will be crucial for unlocking the state's full potential. The pressure from figures like Vundavalli Arun Kumar serves as a vital reminder that the promises made during the bifurcation must not be forgotten, and that Andhra Pradesh deserves its fair share of development.