Hyderabad, April 20: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu on Friday is observing a one-day hunger strike in Vijayawada against Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Central Government over the demand of special category status (SCS) for the state. To recall, today is Chandrababu Naidu’s 68th birthday. The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) is calling the protest 'Dharma Porata Deeksha' or 'Fight for Justice'.

Reports inform that the hunger strike was finalised by the Andhra Pradesh Cabinet, chaired by Naidu, on Monday.  Reports inform that about 13 ministers of Naidu's cabinet will be organising simultaneous hunger strikes in as many districts.

Naidu is on a one-day strike demanding the Central government to fulfil assurances made in Rajya Sabha including Special Category Status and provisions of Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act. Recalling the promises made by the Prime Minister, Naidu said four years back, Narendra Modi as a Prime Ministerial candidate promised Special Category Status for Andhra Pradesh at the abode of Lord Balaji in Tirupati.

In the last month, Naidu quit the ruling NDA alliance alleging failure in fulfilling the promises made in the State Reorganisation Act, has intensified his attacks on the BJP-led government at the centre. TDP had also moved a no-confidence motion in the Lok Sabha against the Modi government. The motion was, however, not taken during the Budget session of the Parliament due to disruptions.

In the last week, Naidu said that his fight is against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the central government. Taking part in B.R. Ambedkar's Jayanti at Ainavolu village in Guntur district, the chief minister announced that he will observe hunger strike on April 20 against the Centre's non-cooperation over the demand of the special category status for the state.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 20, 2018 11:42 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).