Three main social classes have historically held political influence in the Srikakulam district.
The Kalinga community, in particular, demonstrated significant power during Congress rule, frequently securing MP positions and enjoying notable success in district MLA races.
Since the formation of the TDP, however, the Velama community has increasingly asserted political dominance in the region.
Today, it is believed that a single family from this community has nearly total control over district politics.
The Kinjarapu family’s influence within the TDP is so substantial that it seems difficult for others in the district to advance politically beyond them.
Currently, the Kalinga community, along with the Eastern Kapus, is expressing frustration over what they perceive as the monopolization of ministerial appointments by a single social class and family under Chandrababu’s leadership.
Many within these groups feel that if Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu of the Velama community is considered for a Union Minister position, then offering a State Minister position to Koona Ravikumar would be a fitting recognition of the Kalinga community. However, this has not happened.
The recent exclusion of Koona Ravikumar from the newly announced TTD board has further fueled their discontent.