‘For CM Jagan, BCs are the backbone of Andhra Pradesh’
PNS | VIJAYAWADA
In response to ‘false’ statements made by Nara Lokesh of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) regarding the state of the Backward Classes (BCs) in Andhra Pradesh, YSRCP hit back with facts on Friday. Rajya Sabha members made an all-out attack against the TDP and reaffirmed their support for the BC community, highlighting Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy’s dedication towards uplifting their status in the State.
“Nara Lokesh is following his father Chandrababu’s footsteps and spreading lies about the state of BCs in his political rallies,” said Mopidevi Venkataramana, addressing a press conference in New Delhi on Friday. The MP highlighted how Nara Lokesh had distorted facts in his speech at ‘Jayaho BC’ public meeting held in Ongole in Prakasam district on Thursday.
Elaborating on a particular incident of the death of a Class XI student, MP Venkataramana said that the State government had taken drastic steps to ensure a fast and fair probe in the case so that justice was served soon. He added that the government had given Rs 10 lakh in financial support to the family of the deceased and had also promised a government job to a member of the family. “It is shameful that Lokesh provoked the family and spoke lies in front of the people,” said the MP.
During the Telugu Desam Party’s tenure, Rishikeswari, a BC student at Acharya Nagarjuna University committed suicide and discrimination. Recalling the unfortunate incident, MP Mopidevi said: “Why were Lokesh and Chandrababu silent at that time? Was that case not important? Why pick incidents as per your convenience?’
BC welfare under YSRCP
After coming to power in 2019, CM Jagan Mohan Reddy focussed on the uplift of the BC community in social, political, and economic sectors. “The YSRCP-led government ensured the formation of the BC Commission. In fact, the Speaker in the Assembly is from the BC community,” said the MP. He added that there were 11 ministers, 31 MLAs, 12 MLCs, nine ZP chairpersons, mayors, and 215 ZPTCs from the BC community.
The Rajya Sabha member emphasised that Jagan acknowledged the vital role played by the BCs as the backbone of the State. Throughout his tenure, the Chief Minister has consistently given priority to the welfare and advancement of BCs, encompassing all aspects, be it political, social, or economic development.
Contrary to the TDP’s baseless accusations, YSRCP MP Beeda Masthan Rao said: “TDP has been misleading the BCs with empty promises and has taken little action to improve their lives during their 10-year tenure in power. In particular, TDP has shown a lack of commitment to enhancing BC reservation in educational institutions and government employment opportunities.”
The YSRCP MPs further highlighted the discriminatory practices of the TDP in the allocation of government benefits, as other communities have been prioritised at the expense of the BCs. The MPs argued that this was TDP’s deliberate approach intended to divide the BC community and secure votes rather than genuinely working towards their uplift.
