New Delhi [India], Feb 8: In a teleconference on Wednesday evening from Dubai, where he is meeting various corporate heads, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu instructed lawmakers from his Telugu Desam Party to continue protests in parliament and keep pressuring the government to make a essential announcement for his state. "We need to fear no one," Mr Naidu reportedly told his party leaders. The Lok Sabha was adjourned this morning, soon after it convened, amid sloganeering by TDP members.

Lawmakers from Andhra Pradesh's chief opposition party the YSR Congress joined the TDP in the protests, demanding special status for the state. Being placed in the special category will mean Andhra Pradesh will get central funds. The TDP is an ally of the ruling BJP in the national alliance NDA that it leads and participates in the central government. Since last week, the Andhra Pradesh party has been cut-up, alleging that the state has been neglected in the Union Budget presented by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.

After intense discussions within the party, Chandrababu Naidu decided to not severe ties with the BJP, but put his partner on notice saying a big announcement for Andhra Pradesh must be made in the ongoing Budget session. However, the BJP state leaders appear unhappy with the developments. Senior party leader Somu Veerraju said, "The TDP leaders are indulging in trade rather than talking for the people."