Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the Centre will extend its full support to develop Andhra Pradesh.

He was speaking at a thanks-giving meet organised by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Tirupati.

While stating that a strong government has been formed in the State, Modi said the Centre and State governments should work jointly for the development of Andhra Pradesh. The BJP was committed to the development of the State, he added.

Earlier, Andhra Pradesh Governor ESL Narasimhan, Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy, Union Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy and others received the Prime Minister at the Tirupati airport at Renigunta. Chief Minister Jaganmohan Reddy had a 15-minute meeting with the Prime Minister. He reiterated his demand for special status to Andhra Pradesh and financial support to cater to the needs of the State, according to sources.

In view of the bonhomie between the Centre and the State after the recent elections, there were expectations that the Prime Minister would touch upon the long-pending demand for special status to Andhra Pradesh. However, he stayed away from any reference to the issue.

The Prime Minister, accompanied by other dignitaries, had offered prayers at Lord Balaji Temple at Tirumala before leaving for New Delhi.

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