Muslim leaders oppose TDP, YSRCP fielding non-Muslims

Kadapa: Local Muslim leaders of TDP and YSRCP are unhappy over fielding of non-Muslim candidates for Kadapa Assembly segment.

According to sources, senior politician C Ramachandraiah, who recently joined the YSRCP is expecting Kadapa city ticket and TDP district president R Srinivasulu Reddy wants to contest from Kadapa this time. Ramachandraiah got elected as MLA on TDP ticket in 1985 elections while Srinivasulu Reddy unsuccessfully contested for Kadapa MP seat in 2014 elections.

According to information, there are about 65,000 Muslim voters against 2.2 lakh total voters in Kadapa Assembly segment. Muslim votes are crucial for contestants to win Kadapa Assembly seat. Sheik Amjad Basha is representing as Kadapa MLA. He won on YSRCP ticket and switched over to the TDP.

The TDP sources said that ticket aspirants from Muslim community have brought the issue to the notice of Minority Welfare Minister NMD Farooq when he recently visited Kadapa district.

It is learnt that the Muslim leaders working with the TDP held a meeting in the city on Sunday expressed dissatisfaction over party plans to field the non-Muslim candidate in the ensuing elections.

On the condition of anonymity, a TDP Muslim leader informed The Hans India that the TDP chief will not take such a decision as Muslim community has been rendering selfless service to the party for several years. "I am sure Chandrababu will announce the name of a Muslim as TDP nominee for Kadapa Assembly seat," he stated.