Continuing with his agenda of garnering minority votes ahead of the assembly elections, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday (4 April) promised the “converted Christians Scheduled Caste status” in the state if his party was reelected, reports ANI.

Along with this quota, he promised several other populist schemes for the minority group. "We will build houses for pastors and give permission for construction of churches in villages. We will give financial support for the construction of churches,” said Naidu while addressing a meeting of Christian pastors and other preachers in Amravati.

It should be noted that presently Christians get one per cent reservation under Backward Classes (C) quota in the state and 16 per cent reservation is provided to the Scheduled Castes (SC).

However, reservation for converted Christians has been a contentious issue as it has been alleged to promote religious conversions, which the Constitution prohibits.

Attack On PM Modi

Naidu slammed his principle regional rival YSR Congress chief Jaganmohan Reddy's support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “PM Narendra Modi is attacking the TDP as well as Andhra Pradesh. Christian preachers are being attacked,” he claimed.

"Reddy said Modi would come to power again. Does Jagan want a person to come to power who did nothing against those who attacked Christians and Muslims? Does Jagan support Modi attacking Muslims and Christians?” he questioned.

Along with the staggered Lok Sabha polls, Andhra Pradesh voters will also elect 175 members of the Legislative Assembly on 11 April. Results will be announced on 23 May.

Also Read: ‘Chief Minister Of U-Turns’: Amit Shah Slams Chandrababu Naidu; Says Won’t Take Him Back In NDA

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