"February 1st is a black day for Andhra Pradesh. The BJP-led government ruling the country has discriminated against the state at every step. Unless the BJP is defeated at the hustings, justice will not be done to my State". These were Chandrababu Naidu's words earlier this week.

In tune with his description of the Budget Day as Black Day, the Andhra Pradesh CM today wore a black shirt. Black colour is a symbol of protest. It's said that Naidu has worn this colour for the first time in his political career.

Usually, to announce protest, black badges are worn. This time, Naidu and his party MLAs have really gone a step ahead in the hope that it will make for great optics in the election year.

The Centre has not conferred special status on AP although it was BJP's pre-poll promise in 2014. For this reason, the TDP pulled out of the NDA alliance last year.