The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet led by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu met on Thursday and approved a Bill giving 5% sub-quota to Kapus in the 10% reservation for Economically Backward Classes (EBCs) from the general category that was announced by the Centre in January. The Bill will soon be introduced in the Legislative Assembly and with the chief Opposition YSRCP deciding to boycott proceedings, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) government should have no trouble in getting it passed and make it an Act.
The decision to ensure that half of the quota under the EBC category be reserved for Kapus was taken after a state cabinet meeting chaired by Naidu in January. Speaking to reporters after that meeting, state I&PR Minister Kalava Srinivasulu said, "If we were to look at those who can be classified as economically backward, it is clear that there are many people from the Kapu community. We have a Commission report to show this on paper. The other communities will also get justice because they will also get the remaining half of the EBC quota.”
"We are also working on getting the Kapus reservation under the BC category as well. There is no question of letting that fight go. However, since we got a choice now, we wanted to use it for the benefit of the Kapu community," he added.
With its latest move, the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) is seemingly attempting to tap into the Kapu vote bank, which plays a crucial role in deciding the outcome of the upcoming Legislative Assembly and Lok Sabha Elections in the state.
Constituting around 25% of the population in the state according to some estimates and mainly concentrated in the twin Godavari districts, the Kapu community plays a key role in deciding a party's chances in any election. Granting them reservation, was one of Naidu's poll promises.
Meanwhile, the cabinet meeting held on Thursday also decided to drop police cases that were filed against those who participated in protests demanding Special Category Status (SCS) for Andhra.