‘Attacks on weaker sections, minorities on the rise’

Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president N. Raghuveera Reddy on Friday said that atrocities against SCs/STs, and minorities were on the rise under the present BJP rule and alleged that efforts were on to dilute the Constitution.

Speaking to media persons, Mr. Raghuveera Reddy said the Narendra Modi government didn’t react properly to the gang-rape and subsequent killing of a girl and recalled the Congress role in the enactment of the Nirbhaya Act.

“The Congress organised a series of conferences across the country and took public sentiment before bringing in the Act,” he pointed out.

‘Deeksha for

political gain’

On Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s ‘deeksha,’ he said the former had earlier categorically said that was there was no need for Special Category Status and welcomed the special assistance promised by the Centre. “When Sonia Gandhi raised her voice for SCS, he (Mr. Naidu) stifled it and mocked at her.” He said it was a matter of concern that crores of rupees of public money was spent on the ‘deeksha’ aimed at garnering votes in 2019 elections.

Mr. Reddy questioned the integrity of the Chief Minister and lashed out at him for not taking the Opposition parities to New Delhi to mobile support for the SCS.

He reiterated that the SCS would be granted by the Congress alone.