Deputy chief minister of Andhra Pradesh and senior YSR Congress party leader Amjad Basha on Saturday made a sensational comment that he would resign from his post, if the Jagan Mohan Reddy government allows National Register of Citizens exercise in the state.
Basha, who held a massive rally of Muslims in protest against the Citizenship Amendment Act, National Register of Citizens and National Population Register exercises in the state, said he would go to any extent to protect the interests of minorities.
“For me, posts and party are not important. Only people’s interests are paramount for me. If the government goes ahead with the implementation of NRC in the state, I will not hesitate to quit the government, if necessary,” Basha said.
The deputy chief minister said he would convince the chief minister to adopt a resolution against CAA and NRC in the state assembly.
“I am confident that the Jagan government will not allow NRC and NPR in the state under any circumstances. I request the people to believe me,” he said.
Basha also categorically said the YSRC had no chance of joining the NDA government.
“We are not in such dire position to join the NDA. People have voted our party to power with a huge mandate of 151 seats in the 175-member assembly. Where is the need for us to join hands with the BJP?” he asked.
He asserted that YSRC was an out-and-out secular party.
“The minorities, SCs, STs and BCs had supported our party in a big way in the recent elections. The party will definitely keep their interests and sentiments in mind. So, there is no question of the YSRC joining hands with the BJP,” he reiterated.