The latest statement made by the Central government in Parliament leaving it to the discretion of the Andhra Pradesh government to implement five percent reservation to Kapus under Economically Weaker Sections category is snowballing into a major issue ahead of the next assembly elections in the state.
Replying to a question raised by Bharatiya Janata Party MP G V L Narasimha Rao in Rajya Sabha, Union minister of state for social justice Pratima Bhoumik said the legislation passed by the state assembly in 2019 was legal and valid.
She said there was no need for any state to take the ratification of the Centre to provide reservations for any case under EWS category.
Since providing five percent quota to Kapus under EWS category was within the jurisdiction of the state government, the act passed by the state assembly was legal and valid, she said.
This has left the ball in Jagan’s court.
Within a couple of days, former minister and Kapu strongman Mudragada Padmanabham wrote a letter, virtually pleading with the chief minister to implement 5 per cent quota for Kapus in education and employment so that Kapus will be grateful to him lifelong.
A couple of days later, another former minister and Kapu leader from West Godavari district Chegondi Venkata Harirama Jogaiah raised his pitch and threatened to launch an indefinite fast to bring pressure on Jagan to implement 5 percent quota.
He sent a deadline up to Friday for Jagan to take a decision on Kapu reservations.
“Otherwise, I will launch fast-unto-death from January 2. At least with my death, I hope Kapus will get reservations,” he said.
On Friday, Kapu Samkshema Sena leaders called for “Chalo Palakollu” rally on January 2 to bring pressure on the Jagan government to implement the Kapu quota. They are planning to organised a big public meeting at Palakollu to highlight their demand.
Within the YSRC, too, the demand for Kapu quota is said to be rising.
Former minister Peni Venkatramaiah alias Nani also endorsed the demand and hoped that Jagan would take a positive decision in this regard.
Since it is a sensitive issue, the YSRC leadership is under pressure to take a call on Kapu quota under EBC category.
“The chief minister will take a legal opinion before taking any such decision,” sources added.