Kapus unite to take control of state Congress

HYDERABAD: The public criticism of chief minister Kiran Kumar Reddy by Union tourism minister Chiranjeevi and the sudden assertion of PCC president Botsa Satyanarayana - seeking a bigger role in the state cabinet is part of a bigger plan of the Kapu community to take control of the state Congress ahead of the 2014 elections.
Several ministers in the Kiran cabinet, who didn’t want to be named, told TOI that an intense power struggle is on in the state Congress between the Reddys led by the chief minister on the one hand and the Kapu ministers and leaders in the party.“The Congress has all along been controlled by the Reddys. However, it is coming to an end now. We want to make sure it that the party falls into our hands,” a Kapu minister told TOI with great confidence.
Strangely, the consolidation of his position as CM by Kiran Kumar Reddy during the last few months has seen an unusual development with the Kapu ministers moving closer as one unit. “The CM has kept all the ministers on a tight leash. Even requests of appointments of minor officials in their native districts are not being entertained, especially from those whom he perceives as a threat to his position.
Therefore, the ministers need to act as one unit to counter him,” said an aide of a minister from the coastal region.
In several informal meetings over the past few months, the Kapu ministers have come to the conclusion that Kiran Kumar Reddy will not forego his position until the 2014 elections. “At this juncture, some sort of political realignment is on. A majority of the Reddys are migrating to the YSR Congress. And what is worrying for the Congress is that the SCs, particularly the Malas, are moving towards Jaganmohan Reddy. And if the Congress has to remain a power before the next polls, it has to rally the BC community behind it. And that can be done only by Kapu leaders like Chiranjeevi, Botsa etc,” said a political analyst sympathetic to the Kapu cause .
It is with this game plan that several Kapu ministers have decided to take on the chief minister head on.
“Chiranjeevi’s constant criticism of Kiran Kumar Reddy on the power tariff hike and Botsa staking claim for the deputy chief minister post and home portfolio is part of this plan. With sufficient backing, both these leaders can rally the electorate, particularly the BCs, behind the Congress in all the three regions of the state,” claimed sources rallying behind these leaders.
According to the sources, a senior leader hailing from the Kapu community has already communicated to the Congress high command that the BC votes would be vital for the party if it needs to display a strong showing in the 2014 elections. And that can be achieved only by allowing the Kapu leaders to take control of the party at least six months before the polls are held, the leader is believed to have apprised the Congress central leaders.
On his part, Kiran Kumar’s strategy is to hold on to the CM’s post as long as possible, especially in the wake of the Reddys deciding to align with Jagan.
“Despite being loyal Congress supporters, the Kapus have all along played second fiddle to the Reddys in the Congress. And chancing a possibility of them finally getting their chance, the Kapus will not remain silent now,” said the analyst.
In short, the run up to the 2014 general and assembly elections is set to see a major caste power struggle in the Congress, one that could alter the political map of the state forever. And both sides are readying for a no holds barred battle.