Kapus, Backward Classes to desert Telugu Desam in civic polls

KAKINADA: The Telugu Desam (TD) is caught between a rock and a hard place as the party is trying to placate both the Kapu and Backward Classes (BCs). In the coming civic elections in Visakhapatnam, Kakinada and Tirupati, the party might suffer reverses, as both the Kapus and BCs are likely to desert it on one common cause — inclusion of Kapus in BC list.

While, the Kapus demand Chief Minister Mr N. Chandrababu Naidu fulfill his election promise immediately, the BCs are opposing the move. There is a rumour that TD national secretary and CM’s son Mr Nara Lokesh allegedly humiliated Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Mr Nimmakayala Rajappa during a party meeting recently. The leaders of both communities strongly condemned it and rendered sympathy to Mr Rajappa. Kapu and BC leaders have formed teams to campaign against the TD in civic polls, according to sources. “Mr Chandrababu Naidu and his son Mr Lokesh frequently humiliate and insult Kapu leaders like Mr Mudragada Padmanabham, and now Mr Rajappa. The Kapu community won’t stay silent in these affairs,’’ said Kapu Joint Action Committee (Kapu JAC) state coordinator Mr V.Y. Das.

He said: “Kapu people, particularly, the youth in the party, are not ready to support the TD in the coming civic polls. The community in Tirupati and Visakhapatnam have made it clear it won’t support the TD. However, we will take a decision at the JAC meeting soon on the aspect.”

On the other hand, the BCs, who are traditional supporters of the TD, are also unhappy with the party because of the inclusion of Kapus in the BC reservation list. “Mr Chandrababu Naidu is cheating Kapus and also the BCs. According to the Constitution, the reservation would not be valid. The innocent Kapus believe in Chandrababu,” said SC, BC, ST Minorities United Front state president and BC JAC state convener Mr Chollangi Venugopal. He said teams were formed for campaigning in the civic polls against the TD. The BC leaders have already convened a meeting with CPI state secretary Mr. Ramakrishna.