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Senior Kapu leader M Padmanabham began an indefinite hunger strike at his residence at Kirlampudi village in East Godavarit on Friday, along with his wife Padmavathi, demanding that the State Government issue a GO to include the Kapus in the Backward Class (BC) list.
The police tightened security all over East Godavari and prohibitory orders were imposed under Section 144. Nobody was allowed into the house of Padmanabham except his family members. The police closed the gates of his house in spite of his protests.
Padmanabham appealed to his followers and supporters of the Kapu cause not to create problems for the police and not to visit Kirlampudi. He urged the Kapus to go without lunch till the State Government concedes to their demand. On Sunday, at the Kapu Garjana at Tuni in East Godavari, a train was burnt and police stations were attacked. Subsequently, Padmanabham called off the rail/road blockade but announced his intention to go on an indefinite fast from Friday.
Meanwhile, the State Government appointed a Cabinet sub-committee to look into the issue. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu made it clear that a commission had already been appointed over the issue and the report is expected within 8-9 months. A GO issued in a hurry now, without following the due process, would not stand judicial scrutiny, Naidu said and counselled patience.
Not convinced with the Chief Minister’s stand, Padmanabham began his fast. But he said that he was willing to listen to the Government’s point of view provided there was clear communication and commitment by the State Government. “I have so far not received any message from the Government. I cannot go by what I read in the newspapers,” he said.
BC backlash There is a backlash from the BCs in the State, saying that the State Government should not succumb to the pressure tactics of the Kapus and they should not be included in the BC list, as it would adversely affect the interests of the other BCs. If the State Government wants to provide reservation to Kapus, argue the BCs, it should be done separately and not by including them in the BC list.
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