Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu reiterated his promise on Monday, that he would address the demand for reservation of the Kapu community in the state as soon as possible.
Expressing happiness that they have put their demand on hold, Naidu said that he was working on a 'permanent solution.'
He was speaking at a massive meeting of Kapus, organised by Deputy Chief Minister N Chinarajappa.
“I will fulfil your political aspirations by striking the right balance," Naidu said, blaming the Congress party for 'cheating' the community for several years.
Naidu's statements come against the backdrop of a massive agitation launched by Kapu leader Mudragada Padmanabham and his followers at Kirlampudi in East Godavari district.
Demanding that the TDP government fulfil its election manifesto and extend BC status to Kapus, Mudragada, who is also a former state minister, has been protesting for months.
At the height of the Kapu agitation in January 2016, activists set fire to the Ratnachal Express at Tuni in East Godavari district.
Following this, the TDP government had constituted the Manjunatha Commission to look into the issue.
Angered by the delay in the Commission's report, Kapu leaders planned a 400-km 'Chalo Amaravati' padayatra that would cover the districts of East Godavari, West Godavari, Krishna and Guntur, before ending at Amaravati.
However, the police denied permission to the walkathon, triggering protests across the state.
"The commission report will be submitted soon and the cabinet will approve it. And then we will send it to the Centre seeking reservation for Kapus in education and jobs. I will take responsibility for ensuring social justice and extend reservation to Kapus. We have already initiated a number of programmes for their welfare through the Kapu Corporation," Naidu told the gathering on Monday.