The Andhra Pradesh government has withdrawn the 'general consent' accorded to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to conduct raids and carry out investigations in the state. The Andhra government's decision is certain to trigger a fresh face-off with the Centre.

Andhra Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu won support from his West Bengal counterpart Mamata Banerjee for his move. "Chandrababu Naidu has done the right thing in saying he wouldn't allow CBI in his state. The BJP can be 'note changer', but it's not a game changer," she said.

However, this is not the first time state has withdrawn 'general consent' to the agency.

The Andhra Pradesh government has withdrawn "general consent" to the CBI to operate in the state.

As per the rules, CBI has complete jurisdiction over Delhi but can enter other states with the "general consent" of their government. That permission has been withdrawn now, said a ruling party leader, so the CBI cannot "interfere" in any case in Andhra Pradesh.

Reacting to the development, CBI stated, "We are yet to receive Andhra Pradesh government's order revoking general consent to the CBI for probing officials of Central government in the territory of Andhra Pradesh. Once we get we will examine it and action will be taken accordingly."

The Andhra government has also empowered the state investigation agency with the CBI's duties.

In March, Chandrababu Naidu pulled out of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance over demands for special status to Andhra Pradesh. Recently, he also accused the Centre of undermining the credibility of the CBI for its own gains.

Recent raids by income tax authorities on business establishments run by those close to the ruling Telugu Desam Party have embarrassed the chief minister.

The CBI functions under the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act.

A 'confidential' government order to block the CBI powers, issued by Principal Secretary (Home) A R Anuradha on November 8, was "leaked" late Thursday night.

"In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 6 of the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946, Government hereby withdraw the general consent accorded (in GO Ms 109) to all the members of the Delhi Special Police Establishment to exercise the powers and jurisdiction under the said Act in the state of Andhra Pradesh," the order stated.

This order has come three months after the state had given general consent to the CBI for functioning in the state.

Attacking Andra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu over withdrawing consent given to the CBI to probe a state minister, BJP on Friday termed it a "clear mala-fide exercise of power" to ensure that its "corruption" was not exposed.

Referring to Naidu's efforts to stitch a united alliance with Congress and TMC, the BJP dubbed it as "grand alliance of most corrupt parties" to protect their interests.

Naidu's decision has drawn support from parties like the TMC, with its president and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accusing the central government of misusing investigation agencies for political vendetta.

Chandrababu Naidu government's decision shows that the Telugu Desam Party, which is in power in the state and has formed an alliance with parties like the Congress to take on the BJP, has many skeletons in its cupboards, alleged BJP spokesperson G V L Narasimha Rao.

"We are seeing a grand alliance of the most corrupt parties. Their interests have converged to ensure that their corruption is not exposed," Rao said, citing cases of alleged graft against leaders of the Congress and the TMC.

He dubbed Naidu as a "nervous" and "completely rattled" chief minister who trying to save his government before elections.