Jagan comes strongly in support of four percent Muslim reservations; accuses Chandrababu of betrayal

NELLORE: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy announced that his government would continue implementing the 4% reservation for Muslims in the state.

During an election campaign rally at Gandhi Statue Center in the Nellore district on Saturday, he also announced that the YSRCP would support minorities on issues such as 4% reservation, the National Register of Citizens (NRC), the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), and any other minority-related concerns. "Minority sentiments will be protected and supported by me and my party," he declared.

Jagan explained that the 4% reservation for Muslims was not based on religion but given only to socially and economically backward classes among Muslims. Upper castes such as Pathan, Syed, and Moghal were excluded from the BC-E list. He noted that all religions have socially and economically weak castes. "I'm questioning the BJP and other opposing parties: if every religion has backward classes and other classes, and these reservations are given based on backwardness, as allowed by the Constitution, is it ethical to play politics with them and disrupt people's lives?" he asked.

CM Jagan emphasised that the YSRCP was the only party not only to support the 4% reservation for minorities but also to grant 4% political representation to them. He pointed out that four MLCs, four MLAs, a Deputy Chief Minister, and the Vice Chairman of the Legislative Council were Muslims. Moreover, introducing a Minorities Sub-Plan ensured 100% utilisation of the budget allocated for minority welfare.

He criticised TDP Chief Chandrababu Naidu for his alliance with the BJP. "On one hand, Chandrababu Naidu aligns with the BJP, which vows to remove the 4% reservation for Muslims. On the other, to gain minority votes, he feigns concern for the community. This double-dealing is a betrayal of the Muslim community," he said.

Jagan firmly reiterated his stance that the 4% reservation for Muslims must remain. "This is my firm stance! Will Chandrababu Naidu dare to voice this in front of Modi? Will he disassociate from the NDA? Why pretend to care for Muslims while aligning with the NDA, which opposes Muslim reservations?" he asked.