New Delhi: The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) on Sunday (June 23) revealed that the party is unlikely to accept the post of deputy speaker of the Lok Sabha as the party does not want to be seen joined with the BJP-led ruling NDA until Prime Minister Narendra Modi government fulfils its demand of granting special status to Andhra Pradesh

According to reports, it is said that the YSR Congress, which is the fourth largest party with 22 members in the 17th Lok Sabha, wants to maintain equidistance from both the ruling and opposition sides.

According to a PTI report, sources from the YSRCP said, "Opposition, especially the Congress is also responsible for Andhra Pradesh not getting the special status tag. It bifurcated the state but did not give it special status. So, we will also be maintaining distance from them too."

However, he said the party might extend its support to the ruling supervision on specific issues which would be in the interest of the country.

On the deputy speaker's post, the YSRCP sources said that there was no direct or formal offer made, but there were indications.

"The party does not want this post, as it will be seen as aligning with the ruling dispensation. The party won't do that until and unless the Centre gives special status to Andhra Pradesh," the YSR Congress leader said. 

He further said the party had conveyed its stand to the BJP leadership.

Special status for Andhra Pradesh was the core agenda of YSRCP chief Jaganmohan Reddy, who swept the state elections and became the second chief minister of Andhra Pradesh after bifurcation.