Padmanabham threatens hunger stir for inclusuion of Kapus in BC

Claiming that the TDP government is conspiring to defame Kapu Community, Padmanaban said, “I will continue the indefinite fast even if I am put in jail,” to reporters in his native East Godavari district. He held “bad elements” encouraged by ruling TDP for the violence that erupted at Tuni in the district on Sunday and alleged that the government tried to suppress his agitation by creating obstacles to the public meeting. “Is this state their estate?” he asked. 

Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister (Home) N Chinna Rajappa and Municipal Administration Minister P Narayana condemned the Padmnabham’s comments. The government let buses used for the public meeting on Sunday, Chinna Rajappa said. Alleging that Padmanabham incited people in the public meeting, they both held him responsible for the violent incidents. 

Though the Congress government led by K Vijayabhaskar Reddy in 1990s issued orders providing reservation to Kapus, the orders were not clear, Chinna Rajappa said. Noting that Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is committed to provide quota to the community as promised by TDP, they said the government constituted a commission headed by a retired judge to go into the issue. 

At least 15 policemen, including a senior district police officer, were injured on Sunday when a stir by Kapu community members seeking reservation under Backward Class category turned violent as the agitators went on rampage, set four coaches of Ratnachal Express on fire at Tuni station and blocked the National Highway-16 in East Godavari district. The protesters withdrew the blockade on the national highway, connecting Kolkata and Chennai, late last night. 

Elaborate security arrangements had been made on Monday and reinforcements sent to East Godavari district. Senior police officials took stock of the situation.