Heat on Pawan Kalyan as Kapu groups push for larger role in Andhra Pradesh government

Vijayawada: A political tussle seems to be brewing between deputy chief minister Pawan Kalyan and sections of Kapu community leaders, with both sides exchanging sharp remarks over representation and the role of Jana Sena in the NDA govt.Some Kapu association leaders have openly voiced their dissatisfaction, alleging that Pawan has failed to do enough for the community after assuming office. They claim that despite the Kapu community’s strong backing of the NDA alliance in the 2024 assembly elections, several community leaders and Jana Sena representatives are not receiving due political importance.The controversy intensified after Telaga Balija Kapu JAC leader Dasari Ramu criticised Pawan for allegedly not raising his voice firmly for Kapu interests. Some Kapu groups also flagged concerns over political developments involving former minister Ambati Rambabu, claiming that Kapu leaders were being targeted.Breaking his silence, Pawan said a deliberate attempt is being made to "confine me to a single caste identity”. He asserted that he represents all sections and would continue to work for the poor and marginalised, irrespective of caste. He also pointed out that while leaders from other communities are often seen as representing all sections, he is repeatedly projected only as a Kapu leader.Several Jana Sena functionaries and Kapu leaders defended the deputy CM, saying his politics goes beyond caste lines and focuses on broader public welfare. They maintained that portraying him as a caste-specific leader undermines his larger vision.Hitting back, Dasari Ramu said the Kapu community has always seen Pawan as a leader capable of delivering social justice to all weaker sections, including SCs, STs, and BCs, and not merely as a representative of one community. He further alleged that Pawan blamed Kapus for Jana Sena’s defeat in the 2019 elections despite their support.“Kapu JAC members voluntarily worked for nearly six years and played a key role in ensuring the victory of Jana Sena and NDA in the 2024 elections. However, several Kapu leaders were sidelined and humiliated after the polls,” he alleged.Citing the demolition of a Jana Sena leader’s house in Machilipatnam, allegedly at the behest of a TDP minister, Dasari Ramu said Kapu associations were now compelled to raise their voice to protect the community’s interests and dignity. He further warned that the fight for Kapu rights would continue and would be intensified in the coming days.