As the Kapu community across Andhra Pradesh is observing the death anniversary of popular leader of the community Vangaveeti Mohana Ranga on Friday, speculations surfaced once again over the possibility of his daughter Vangaveeti Asha Kiran joining the YSR Congress party.
The immediate reason for the latest speculation is the way YSRCP president and former Andhra Pradesh chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy paid tribute to Ranga through a post on social media.
In his message, Jagan described Ranga as a “great leader who treated the problems of the poor as his own and stood firmly as their voice,” and offered his respects on the occasion of the death anniversary.
Though it is not new for Jagan to post a message on social media on Ranga’s death and birth anniversaries, his latest post has drawn particular attention in political circles.
This is largely due to renewed discussions surrounding Asha Kiran’s political role, especially after Ranga’s son Radha Krishna distanced himself from active association with the YSRCP.
In recent weeks, Asha Kiran has become increasingly active in public life. Though she has publicly stated that she does not intend to join any political party, sources indicate that efforts are underway behind the scenes for her possible entry into the YSRCP.
Political circles suggest that Jagan Mohan Reddy has given a positive signal regarding her induction, triggering intense speculation in Vijayawada about the position she may be offered if she formally joins the party.
However, Asha Kiran clarified that she was not joining any political party and dismissed reports circulating on social media as baseless.
Asha Kiran also stressed that no political announcements would be made from the Ranga memorial platform.
She said she had not become active not with an intention of dividing the family or weaken anyone.
“I shall work towards strengthening the Radha–Ranga Mitra Mandali. Ranga’s life remains an inspiration to society and I shall work for his ideals,” she said.