Former YSR Congress Party leader and ex-Rajya Sabha member V. Vijayasai Reddy, who is preparing to launch a new political party, appears to be taking a strong Hindutva line, particularly on the issue of religious conversions.
Sai Reddy, who began his public outreach campaign on Monday, said he would oppose any action that insults Hinduism, hurts Hindu sentiments or interferes with Hindu traditions in Andhra Pradesh.
Reacting to the suicide of the family of Pithapuram Panchayat Raj Assistant Engineer Nookaraju and the arrest of accused Sheikh Sadiq Khan, Sai Reddy said the incident raised serious questions about law and order and the government’s approach towards religious issues.
He questioned why the Andhra Pradesh government had not introduced an anti-conversion Bill in the Assembly despite having a comfortable majority.
“Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has 162 seats. He does not need anyone’s support to pass legislation. When there is an opportunity to enact an anti-conversion law easily, why is the government not doing it?” he asked.
Sai Reddy also questioned the role of the BJP, which is part of the ruling NDA alliance in Andhra Pradesh.
He said the BJP at the Centre and the RSS had taken a strong stand against religious conversions and asked why the state BJP leadership was remaining silent.
“Are you sleeping to protect your positions? Why are the state BJP leaders acting as mere spectators?” he asked.
Sai Reddy said he would oppose any attempt to demean Hinduism, convert Hindus or violate Hindu traditions, irrespective of who was involved.
He also targeted YSRCP president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, describing him as an “inefficient opposition leader”.
Sai Reddy alleged that religious conversions were encouraged during the previous YSRCP government.
He further alleged that Naidu had the ability to change political alliances depending on circumstances and could align with either the BJP or the Congress. According to Sai Reddy, this was one reason why the government was not taking a firm stand on religious conversions.
Referring to the Pithapuram case, Sai Reddy said that if he came to power, people accused of serious offences would face tough action similar to measures taken against criminals in Uttar Pradesh.
“Rowdyism, atrocities against women and illegal activities will not be tolerated,” he said.
