Division of AP not at the cost of one region: Shinde

Seeking to allay concerns of Seemandhra, the government on Thursday said it has no intention to bifurcate Andhra Pradesh at the cost of one region and would do needful for overall prosperity of the residual state.

Introducing the Telangana Bill in Rajya Sabha, Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde said the decision to create Telangana was not an easy one and it has been taken after the widest possible consultations and after taking into account all the factors.

"It is not our intention that the bifurcation should take place at the cost of one region or the existing state," he said in his statement laid in the House.

The home minister said the issue of bifurcating Andhra Pradesh would get resolved in a manner that ensures peace and goodwill and progress and prosperity among all the sections of both the successor states.

"We want to ensure that the economy of the successor state of Andhra Pradesh should continue to grow... The central government shall also provide a special development package for Rayalaseema and north coastal districts of the successor state of Andhra Pradesh," he said.

The Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Bill 2014 also contains the Centre's firm commitment to execute the Polavaram project as a national project, by obtaining all necessary clearances including ensuring full rehabilitation and resettlement.

"I wish to reiterate what I said in the Lok Sabha -- a financial package will be given to Seemaandhra. I would also assure the House that a Special Cell will be created immediately in the Planning Commission under the Deputy Chairman to address the developmental needs of the successor state of Andhra Pradesh in their totality and also ensure adequate financing for fulfilling them," he said.