Casteism is an established notion and norm in our society. Over the years, many have fought to remove this tag but failed largely. At the same time, in Independent India the caste system has acquired a new identity and new dimensions with reservations. Those fighting for a caste-free society had chosen to switch to discrimination free society and then the struggle continued.
Kapu reservation movement has been around for decades and has always been a thorny issue to negotiate. In Telangana, they are classified as Munnuru Kapus and are given BC Status while in Andhra Pradesh, they still come under the OC status. In 2015, when TDP was in power, huge agitation and violence broke out in Tuni when a train was burnt by agitators who went berserk.
Kapunadu has always been a dream where a Kapu could one day become the CM. There’s a heartburn among Kapus that they are always made to support other caste leaders as CM, while they too have the potential to become one. In this regard, some made open claims like Vangaveeti and Harirama Jogiah while others like Chiru tried in a subtle manner. Naturally now it is being claimed openly that Kapus would have to support Pawan Kalyan in his attempt to become CM.
Pawan Kalyan has been trying to give an image that belongs to everyone, but people don’t think so. Somewhere they believe Pawan has a clear caste card in mind and he will use it when the time comes. The recent instance of Jogaiah holding a fast and Janasena Chief Pawan Kalyan making him quit his fast is an episode that will not leave that easily. Already the state has been vexed with caste dominations and if Pawan cannot convince voters that ‘Kapu CM’ is the motive behind him seeking this post it may lead to failure.
It has to be noted that politics should be over development and welfare and not the premise of a CM post for a caste that hasn’t been represented so far. Kapus having that desire cannot be questioned and it may be their natural aspiration. But a leader who claims to present many, if he slowly unmasks himself and tries to become a Kapu icon and then pretends that it’s not the case, then history may not take it kindly. Pawan Kalyan has to remember this very clearly.
On the other hand, the critics have been concluding that Pawan Kalyan has no desire to become the CM at all, but only working towards making CBN the next CM by taking package from him. If this is true, then very soon he would become a forgotten chapter in the history of AP politics.
