Dainik Nation News Portal
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and YSRCP leader YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has announced Hafiz Khan as the party’s Rajya Sabha candidate for the upcoming elections.
“In the previous Assembly elections, I did not nominate him for a seat. However, looking ahead to the Rajya Sabha elections in two years’ time, I have decided to field him as our candidate,” stated Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, also the YSRCP chief.
The YSR Congress Party, which had previously supported the BJP-led NDA Government in passing the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in Parliament, has taken a surprising U-turn on its stance. In a significant shift, the party declared on Wednesday that it does not accept the CAA in its current form and called for amendments to address the concerns of the Muslim population.
This change of heart from a party that had maintained friendly relations with the BJP is not entirely unexpected, particularly with the BJP aligning with the TDP and the Jana Sena. During a press conference, YSR Congress MLA Hafiz Khan reiterated the party’s strong opposition to the current version of the CAA implemented by the Central Government. He highlighted the negative impact it has on the Muslim community, echoing the sentiments of the public.
Reflecting on the legacy of the late Chief Minister Dr YS Rajasekhara Reddy, who had granted four percent reservation to Muslims, MLA Hafiz Khan stated, “Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and the YSRC party have always stood for equality and justice for all communities. The Chief Minister’s focus is on providing security and fairness to every citizen. We are advocating for amendments to the law to make it acceptable to all.”
This move is likely to unsettle the BJP, as the YSRCP’s Rajya Sabha members were crucial in ensuring the smooth passage of the Act. With clear political battle lines now drawn, the YSRCP appears to be prioritizing its minority constituency, which has consistently supported the party.
