From the time N Chandrababu Naidu took over the leadership of the TDP, the Brahmin community has remained an important and influential social group in Andhra Pradesh politics.
Traditionally, Brahmins were supporters of the Congress party and stayed with it for many years.
Even when NTR formed the TDP in 1983, a large section of the Brahmin community continued to vote for Congress.
During NTR’s rule, the Karana and Munasab systems were abolished, which directly affected families from this community.
Around the same time, NTR suddenly reduced the government employees’ retirement age from 58 to 55 years. Since many Brahmins were working in government offices then, this decision hit them hard.
Because of such policies, many Brahmins moved away from TDP. At the same time, Congress continued to give them MLA, MP and minister posts.
Things slowly changed after Chandrababu Naidu became Chief Minister in 1995. With the growth of the IT sector and more opportunities in private jobs, the younger generation from the Brahmin community started leaning towards TDP. This support has continued over the years.
In 2014, Chandrababu Naidu also set up the Brahmin Corporation, which brought some benefits. However, there is still disappointment that no MLC post was given to the community.
Against this background, a recent incident in Visakhapatnam has united Brahmins across Andhra Pradesh.
In Visakhapatnam South constituency, there is a place called Bodi Bangla. For decades, Brahmins have been using this place to perform last rites, ten-day death rituals and daily prayers. It is said that a donor gave this building to Brahmins way back in 1902.
Recently, a local ward corporator allegedly locked the building and stopped Brahmins from entering the premises. The claim made was that local residents were opposing these rituals. This action has angered the Brahmin community deeply.
Brahmins have now called for protests at the district level. Community leaders allege that Bodi Bangla is located on very valuable land and that the move is aimed at pushing them out to grab the property.
Leaders also point out that Visakhapatnam city has more than 2.5 lakh Brahmins. They have warned that if the ruling alliance does not change its attitude, the community will show its strength in local body elections.
With state-level Brahmin organisations also extending support, the issue is turning into a major movement. Many in the community say that despite not getting political positions, they supported the TDP alliance with hope.
Now they are questioning whether that support is being repaid by pushing them onto the streets. For the first time, this anger is said to be seriously worrying the TDP leadership.