Politics continue to be castiest in India and Andhra Pradesh is no different. During 2014 general elections, the Kapu community, especially in the coastal belt realized that they scored when it came to numbers vis-à-vis Kamma community which has been in power for quite some time.
Though the resentment was brewing for some years, the Kapus are now working towards consolidating their vote bank with the hope of having a chief minister from their community by 2019.
At least, that is the bigger plan that many Kapu leaders have. But they have a little problem here. Unlike in the Kamma community which has stood by NTR family, the Kapus don’t see any viable leader to take up the post if ever they get an opportunity.
When megastar Chiranjeevi floated Praja Rajyam, they felt that it would rewrite the dynamics of Andhra Pradesh politics. Instead, Chiranjeevi quietly merged Praja Rajyam with the Congress after bargaining for a berth in the union cabinet. Then, prior to 2014 general elections, when Pawan Kalyan announced that he would be floating Jana Sena, once again, their hopes soared high.
Well, once again, they were in for a rude shock. Pawan campaigned for TDP-BJP alliance and ensured their success. After elections, he kept a low profile till he announced his tour in capital zone. Though he did start off the ‘whirlwind tour’ on a promising note, by the end of the day, it was obvious that it meant little in terms of bailing out farmers who were unwilling to give their lands for land pooling.
Also, once back, his statements to the media totally fizzled out all hopes of the Kapu community. It does not take much political knowledge to understand that Andhra Pradesh does not have a strong opposition as YSRCP leader Jagan is entangled in disproportionate assets case.
Though he is definitely more charismatic than Pawan Kalyan, Jagan is being forced to tone down his voice due to pending cases.
So, the Kapu community hoped that Pawan would be the possible ‘messiah’ they have been looking for. Well, at least a possible candidate who could be groomed to get into the hot seat by 2019.
But Pawan’s directionless statements and the fact that he ended up playing supporting role to TDP dominated by the Kamma community has severely disappointed the Kapus.
It is known that in Andhra and coastal belt, Kapus and Kammas don’t see eye to eye. While elder brother Chiranjeevi preferred joining the Congress, younger brother Pawan Kalyan has chosen to support TDP.
Talk in political circles is that the Kapu community leaders are totally disappointed with the way things are going.
