The word ‘VelKam’ is the new buzzword in Telangana. Pronounced as ‘Welcome’ it is a shortened version of Velama and Kamma castes’ newfound proximity
Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao claimed that he hails from microscopic minority community. Undoubtedly, he would need support of another majority caste to curtail politically strongest Reddy community.
His inclination towards particular section of TDP leaders, was popularized on social media as ‘Velkam’. To counter the dominant Reddy community and its leaders in Telangana, KCR reportedly proposed this VelKam formula to Andhra Pradesh TDP leader Payyavula Keshav last week.
ABN Andhra Jyothy Chief Vemuri RadhaKrishna who travelled along with KCR to attend the Paritala SriRam’s wedding gave a first-hand encounter of the entire episode. He noted KCR attended the wedding with a brigade of leaders who are reportedly flag-bearers of Kamma community to boost the VelKam initiative
This strategy was earlier used by former chief minister of AP by Jalagam Vengala Rao. Nonetheless, time will only tell if this age old ‘Velkam’ formula will be welcomed by the people of Telangana or backfire !