TDP and YSRCP vying to woo backward classes in Andhra

With backward classes (BCs) accounting for a major chunk of population in Andhra Pradesh, the ruling YSRCP and TDP are vying with each other to woo these communities. However, it is a different matter that the state has been ruled by two dominant farming communities Reddys and Kammas. But the state is dominated by the backward classes also known as BCs as far as population is concerned.

 More than 60 percent of the Andhra population belongs to these communities. There is some kind of awareness being noticed among BCs these days, so the ruling YSRCP and opposition TDP are eyeing the votes of BCs. Keeping this in view, Jagan Mohan Reddy›s government has announced the list of Chairpersons for 56 BC corporations, which were said to be set up for the development of BCs. By providing 50 percent reservation to women, 28 corporations out of a total 56 are going to be led by women chairpersons.

 In addition to this, the state government also appointed 12 directors for each corporation representing all the 13 districts. Minister for BC Welfare, Ch Venugopala Krishna said that the state is always committed to the development of BCs and Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy brought in this initiative of setting up 56 BC corporations out of 139 BC castes, to focus on their all-round development. 

The minister said, “The Chief Minister firmly believes that BCs are Backbone Classes and not Backward Classes. As promised during elections to provide separate corporations for every community to give equal political prominence, the Chief Minister has stood by it and brought it into reality.” 

The opposition describes the BC corporations as a mere eyewash. What will the Chairmans of BC corporations do without funds? On the other hand, in a major organisational rejig, TDP President N Chandrababu Naidu announced Kinjarapu Atchannaidu (known BC leader) as the new TDP president for the Andhra Pradesh wing replacing Kala Venkata Rao. The appo intment of Atchannaidu as the new Andhra Pradesh TDP president has been endorsed by party leaders. 

L. Ramana, who also belongs to the BC community, will continue as the Telangana TDP President. Chandrababu Naidu also announced the setting up of a central party committee. Naidu indicated that the party had selected hardworking talented leaders who have proved their mettle and passion for working for the people of Andhra Pradesh and most of them belong to Backward classes. 

The 25 member politburo will be led by Yanamala Ramakrishnudu, Ayyanna Patrudu, K E Krishnamurthi, Kala Srinivasulu, Kala Venkat Rao and most of them BCs only. Naidu revamped the party structure to counter the YSRCP government’s BC pitch.