Visakhapatnam: Stating that the Central government has not backtracked on the special status to Andhra Pradesh, Union health minister and BJP state affairs in-charge J.P. Nadda on Sunday said that AP will be given more benefits in the form of financial assistance and tax exemptions than a state that has been accorded special status.

“Special status is just a term. The Centre will do much more for the state,” said Mr Nadda, who was in the city to take part in the BJP’s state executive meeting at a resort here. He emphasised that special attention was being given to Andhra Pradesh by the Centre and said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has a special place in his heart for the state.

“We have not backtracked on according special status to AP. Special attention is being given to AP. We will fulfil all the promises we have made to the state. Financial assistance and tax exemptions will be given to AP. Special emphasis is being given to AP,” he said.

Mr Nadda said that work on the Polavaram project will be expedited and the Centre has already sanctioned financial assistance for construction of the new capital. “One after the other, premier institutions like IIM, IIT for which foundation has already been set, will come up. We are committed to development of AP and the promises and assurances given by our leaders,” he told reporters.

The Union minister added that the Centre has already sanctioned setting up of 6,500 MW power plants to make AP a 24x7 power state.