On Monday, the ruling party of Andhra Pradesh, YSR Congress, announced the candidates for 18 seats of the state Legislative Council, with a special emphasis on backward classes. Of the 18 candidates, 11 are from the backward classes, 2 from Scheduled Castes, and 1 from Scheduled Tribe. The remaining four are from other castes. The party has nominated nine candidates for 'local authorities' constituencies, seven from MLAs' quota, and two nominees for the governor's quota. The decision was taken by the party to ensure social justice and was approved by Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy. YSRCP General Secretary, Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy, announced the names of the candidates and expressed his satisfaction with the list, stating that the party's focus on social justice was evident in the selection.