Vijayasai announces new political outfit in AP
In Short
- Describes his new party as a ‘viable third alternative’ to the TDP and YSRCP
- Says 66% of seats will be reserved for BCs, SCs, STs and minorities, with 33% for women
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Former MP V Vijaysai Reddy addressing a press conference in Vijayawada on Monday
Former Rajya Sabha member V Vijayasai Reddy on Monday announced the launch of a new political outfit in Andhra Pradesh, describing it as a “viable third alternative” at a crucial juncture for the State.
However, he said the name of the party, its flag and detailed agenda would be unveiled after he addresses three more press conferences across the state.
Addressing a press conference here, attended by a large number of his supporters, Vijayasai Reddy came down heavily on the ruling TDP and the opposition YSRCP, alleging that both were “faction-based family parties” focused on exploiting State resources and the people.
He alleged that a political war was being fought between the two parties, while the development of Andhra Pradesh had become its casualty. “It is unfortunate that the police are taking the side of the ruling party,” he said, adding that “rowdy mamool collections” had become a common feature of both parties. He alleged that MLAs and MPs were more concerned about making money with an eye on the next elections rather than working for the welfare of the people.
Vijayasai Reddy made it clear that he would not be the chief ministerial candidate of the proposed party and that none of his family members would contest the elections. Comparing his proposed role to that of Bal Thackeray in the Shiv Sena, he said he would function as a mentor to the new political outfit.
He said he had spent the past two years extensively studying the Reddy Raju kingdom and its links with the Rashtrakuta dynasty and had written a book on the subject.
Expressing concern over the economic condition of families in the State, he said there was a widening gap between household incomes and expenditure, leaving many people trapped in debt. He also expressed concern over the rising prices of essential commodities and questioned the actual level of public debt in Andhra Pradesh.
On the capital, Vijayasai Reddy said Amaravati would remain the capital of Andhra Pradesh “whether one likes it or not.”
He announced that the new party would reserve 66 per cent of its seats for Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and minorities including 33 percent to women in the coming elections.
Among its proposed policies, he said, would be large-scale promotion of solar power to provide free electricity to households and the agriculture sector. He also promised to reduce GST on petrol and diesel to the minimum possible level.
Vijayasai Reddy demanded a CBI probe into alleged irregularities in APPSC and DSC recruitment and announced that an AP Teachers Service would be introduced for teacher recruitment.
