N Chandrababu Naidu’s Son Backs Existing Muslim Quota in Andhra Pradesh

N Chandrababu Naidu’s Son Backs Existing Muslim Quota in Andhra Pradesh

Keywords: N Chandrababu Naidu, Muslim quota, Andhra Pradesh, BJP ally, Nara Lokesh

Hyderabad:

In a move that could strain ties between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its ally Telugu Desam Party (TDP), TDP leader Nara Lokesh, son of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, has come out in support of the existing 4% quota for Muslims in Andhra Pradesh.

The BJP has been opposed to reservation based on religion, and has previously called for the abolition of the Muslim quota in the state. However, Lokesh said that he believed the quota was necessary to ensure the educational and economic development of the Muslim community.

“The Muslim quota is a historic necessity,” Lokesh said in a statement. “It was implemented after a long struggle by Muslims in the state, and it has helped to improve their socio-economic conditions.”

Lokesh’s statement comes at a time when the TDP is facing pressure from the BJP to align with the party’s stance on the Muslim quota. The BJP has threatened to withdraw its support from the TDP if the party does not agree to abolish the quota.

However, Lokesh’s statement indicates that the TDP is unlikely to bow to the BJP’s demands. The TDP has a strong base of support among backward classes and minorities, and Lokesh’s statement is seen as an attempt to appease these voters.

The BJP’s stance on the Muslim quota has also been criticized by other TDP leaders. TDP MP Gali Janardhan Reddy has said that the party will not compromise on the issue of the quota.

“The Muslim quota is a matter of self-respect for Muslims in the state,” Reddy said. “We will not allow anyone to touch it.”

The BJP’s demand for the abolition of the Muslim quota has been met with protests from Muslim organizations in Andhra Pradesh. The organizations have warned that they will launch a statewide agitation if the government tries to abolish the quota.

The TDP is facing a dilemma over the issue of the Muslim quota. The party needs the support of the BJP to remain in power, but it also needs to appease its base of backward class and minority voters. Lokesh’s statement indicates that the TDP is unlikely to compromise on the issue of the quota, even if it means losing the support of the BJP.