Backward classes in AP got raw deal in Cabinet rejig: Naidu

"Backward classes are in large numbers in Andhra Pradesh. They (Centre) gave berth to only one backward class woman. Backward classes should have been given three or four berths. TDP has announced that it will give 100 seats to backward classes in Assembly elections," he said during his ongoing 'padayatra' in Mahabubnagar district.

Naidu said his party would leave no stone unturned to turn agriculture into a profitable profession for farmers by getting them a satisfactory price for their produce.

The TDP chief resumed the march in Mahabubnagar district after a day's rest due to a minor back injury in a freak mishap when the dais collapsed during a public meeting on Friday night. Naidu resumed his foot march this afternoon at a village near Gadwal in the district.

A team of specialist doctors, which rushed from Hyderabad, took an x-ray of his back yesterday and said there was no fracture but only a sprain. Naidu's son Lokesh said yesterday that his father was in good health.

The TDP chief had kicked off his statewide 'padayatra' on October 2 from backward Anantapur district of Rayalaseema region, which is scheduled to end on January 26.

Meanwhile, YSR Congress leader Sharmila, who began her 3,000 km-long 'padayatra' on October 19, continued her walkathon in Anantapur district today.

Speaking during her foot march, she alleged that the Congress government has failed to effectively implement the numerous welfare schemes launched by her father late Y S Rajasekhara Reddy.