4% Muslim reservation will continue: Andhra Pradesh CM Reddy
What's the story
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has affirmed that the 4% reservation for Muslims in the state will continue.
He made the announcement during a public gathering in Kurnool amid a contentious debate between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and opposition leaders over reservation and minority quotas.
Notably, since 2007, Muslims have had 4% reservations in education and government jobs under the Other Backward Classes category in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
Political discrepancies
Reddy criticizes Naidu's inconsistent stance on reservation
At the rally, the YSR Congress Party chief also questioned Telugu Desam Party (TDP) supremo Chandrababu Naidu's alliance with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which plans to abolish the 4% reservation.
He further alleged that Naidu, together with BJP state president D Purandeswari, were impeding the distribution of welfare schemes in Andhra Pradesh.
"4% reservation given to minorities is not based on religion but on par with social justice practices..but Chandrababu's politics is akin to that of chameleon," said Reddy.
Election impact
Reddy highlights implications of upcoming Lok Sabha elections
Calling the upcoming elections in the state "the battle of Kurukshetra," Reddy said, "This election is not to elect MLAs and MPs, this election will decide the future of ongoing schemes and the development of every household."
He warned that electing Naidu could potentially disrupt all welfare programs initiated by his government.
Reddy also criticized Naidu's term as chief minister, asserting that his administration has implemented welfare initiatives impartially without favoring any religion, caste, community, or political group.
Election
Andhra Pradesh assembly and Lok Sabha elections schedule
The Assembly and Lok Sabha elections in Andhra Pradesh will take place on May 13.
The counting of votes for both elections will be done on June 4.
In the 2019 Assembly elections, the YSRCP gained 151 seats, while the TDP received only 23.
In the Lok Sabha elections, the YSRCP won 22 seats, while the TDP only got three.