Mudragada Padmanabham begin fast-unto-death for Kapu reservation

Kapu community leader Mudragada Padmanabham and his wife Padmavathi have begun fast-unto-death protest in their home town Kirlampudi, East Godavari, Andhra Pradesh on Friday.

The couple are demanding the TDP government to fulfil poll promise of including the Kapus in the Backward Class list. Addressing the media, Mr. Mudragada said he will continue fast until the demand is fulfilled. His appeal to all supporters was to observe fast in their respective homes.

"Don't give way to any untoward incidents. Don't come to Kirlampudi to give security to me. I'm safe," Mr. Mudragada told his supporters.

Though Mr. Mudragada rejected police protection, unprecedented security has been deployed in Kirlampudi



village, in view of the protest. RAF and CRPF personnel have been posted in the village.

Vehicles were stopped at the main entrance and police were frisking public at three check posts before they reach Mudragada's residence.

There were tension and verbal exchange between Police and supporters of Mudragada around 10.10 a.m. when the police closed the main gate of Mudragada's residence and stopped allowing general public, except Media and Doctors' team from PHC.

After the intervention of East Godavari SP M. Ravi Prakash and Rajamahedravaran South woman DSP Sravani the supporters of Mudragada convinced. Then police opened gates and allowed one after another in queue system to wish their leader.