Both the TDP and YSRCP are now searching for potential Kapu leaders in Andhra Pradesh so that to enhance their chances of winning in 2019 polls. In this regard, they are trying to identify vulnerable Kapu leaders from Congress and BJP, who may lure to their attractions.
With the building up momentum for agitation by veteran Kapu leader Mudragada Padmanabham on the issue of reservation, the political scenario in Andhra Pradesh is bound to take a complete see change. It may be recalled that Kapu community’s massive support had helped TDP to win against YSRCP with a slender majority in a keen contest during 2014.
However, now Kapus seems to be in discontent with Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu due to his failure to move forward on Kapu reservation issue. But as a shrewd politician Naidu has been making counter moves to keep up his Kapu’s backup.
On the other hand, YSR Congress Party Chief YS Jaganmohan Reddy, who had lost the last polls by neglecting Kapus, is now seems to be making strategic moves towards bringing a division among them so that to ensure support from a significant section of them.
At this juncture, emergence of Jana Sena Party chief Pawan Kalyan as a potential vote catcher makes worry these two parties. Though both TDP and YSRCP are having many Kapu leaders in key positions, none of them are capable of matches to Mudragada and Pawan Kalyan .
Already, YSRCP Chief Jaganmohan Reddy is in touch with former union minister Dasai Narayana Rao and even offered him Rajya Sabha seat. Though he is not showing interest to join the party, seems to be assuring his `moral’ support. Likewise, he is reportedly on former minister and BJP leader Kanna Lakshminarayana, who has considerable influence among Kapus.
Chief Minister Chandrababu had already succeeded in making Jyothula Nehru from East Godavari district to defect into his party from YSRCP and he is likely to be inducted into the state cabinet soon. Further, some TDP leaders are also said to be in touch with former union minister M.M. Pallam Raju so that to encourage him to left Congress.
