Andhra Pradesh: Reservations for Muslims is social justice and not appeasement, says TDP

Muslim Reservation In Andhra Pradesh: Telugu Desam Party (TDP) general secretary Nara Lokesh, who is also the son of Andhra Pradesh chief minister-designate Chandrababu Naidu on Friday said that his party is committed to retaining the 4% reservation granted to the Muslim community under the OBC list. In an interview with NDTV, Lokesh said that the reservations granted to Muslims in Andhra Pradesh wasn't for appeasement but for social justice that will bring them out of poverty.

"It's a fact that the minorities continue to suffer and that they have the lowest per capita income. As a government, it is my responsibility to bring them out of poverty. So whatever decisions I take are not for appeasement, but to bring them out of poverty."

The 41-year-old TDP leader said that Muslim reservation has been going around for the last two decades and pledged to continue it in the state. Having secured 16 seats, Chandrababu Naidu's backing is crucial for the BJP as the party prepares to form the third Narendra Modi-led government at the federal level.