Unruffled by criticism that he was indulging in election-related gimmicks, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has undertaken another initiative to woo the Muslim minorities. On 5 July, 1999, the foundation stone for the much awaited Haj House in the heart of the city (was) laid.

This is the second such attempt by Mr. Naidu in less than a week. Last week he had announced a massive package for minority welfare, Roshni.

Mr. Naidu seems to be determined to win back the TDP's traditional support base in the Muslim community. The announcement of the economic and educational package ... is ... seen in this context only. But the package has evoked a negative reaction from some Muslim organisations including Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen ...

According to Owaisi, the declaration making Urdu the second official language in eight districts has remained on paper and nothing has been done to implement it. Though the budget of the minority welfare department was increased, not even half of that budget was released or spent during last two years. Mr. Owaisi demanded that in the areas where minorities comprised 15 per cent of the population, it should be made compulsory to set up schools and junior colleges.

It may be mentioned here that initially Mr. Owaisi was a good friend and supporter of Mr. Naidu. But ever since the TDP supported BJP at the Centre last year, he turned into a bitter critic of Mr. Naidu. ... But some of the minority Congress leaders privately admitted that the new announcements by Mr. Naidu had upped the pressure on the Congress to come out with something tangible to offer to the minorities (Source: The Pioneer, 5 July, 1999)