Andhra Pradesh Election Manifesto Unveiled Amidst Controversy Over Muslim Reservation

TDP leader N Chandrababu Naidu recently revealed the election manifesto for the NDA coalition, comprising TDP, Janasena, and BJP in Andhra Pradesh. Notably absent from the manifesto was the promised four percent reservation for Muslims, a commitment made by Naidu just days before the manifesto's release.

Instead, the manifesto emphasized the "super six" initiatives, featuring proposals such as a monthly pension of Rs 1,500 for women aged 19 to 59, 20 lakh job opportunities for youth, and free bus travel for women.

Earlier, Naidu had announced the Muslim reservation in a video message, citing the persistent poverty among Muslims as the driving force behind the decision. However, Prime Minister Narendra Modi adamantly opposed such religious-based quotas, reaffirming his commitment to quotas for Dalits, Adivasis, and Other Backward Classes.

In a strategic move, Naidu redirected focus towards financial assistance for Muslim pilgrims, promising Rs 1 lakh aid for those visiting Mecca, once the NDA assumes power. He highlighted the TDP's past efforts in supporting the Muslim community, such as granting festival status to Rotiayaan ki Eid and establishing an Urdu university in Hyderabad.

Drawing a sharp contrast with his political rival, Naidu criticized Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy for allegedly neglecting the Muslim community's interests during his tenure. He underscored the TDP's history of inclusive governance, contrasting it with accusations of "appeasement" against the Congress.

As the election date approaches on May 13, with vote counting set for June 4, the unfolding debate over minority representation adds a layer of complexity to an already contentious political landscape in Andhra Pradesh.