Shock to Naidu from BJP; Alliance in Doldrums

Tadepalli: The TDP-led alliance politics in Andhra Pradesh continues to be shaky since the allies finalised the seat-sharing deal. Ahead of May 13 polls, a senior BJP leader’s controversial statement has created new tensions for the TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu.

Earlier in the day, Union Minister Piyush Goyal met with Chandrababu Naidu. Both the leaders discussed state politics for over an hour including the Muslims reservation issue. During the meeting, the TDP’s ally BJP conveyed its stand on reservation to Muslim minorities. The BJP leader made it clear that they oppose reservations for Muslims.

Addressing a press conference after the meeting, Piyush Goyal said, "We are against Muslim reservations. We only support reservations for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Backward Classes, and Other Backward Classes. Muslims will not be given reservations."

Political analysts opine that the BJP's announcement on a crucial issue has created new tensions for Naidu. The BJP's stance on Muslim reservations is expected to alienate Muslim voters from the alliance in Andhra Pradesh elections. On the contrary, the YSRCP is implementing social justice policies for minorities in the state. Analysts believe that the recent announcement by the opposition alliance leaders will help YSRCP to make further inroads into the opposition’s bastion. 

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