With Congress high command inducting two more leaders from BC communities-K Chiranjeevi and Killi Kruparani-into the union cabinet, the political observers are saying that the party is slowing understanding the power of vote bank politics in the state and how big the kapu vote bank is when it comes to Andhra Pradesh. It is known that Pallam Raju, who has been a central minister, is also from BC community.

According to the observers, majority of voters in the state are from backward classes and so far none of the chief ministers of Andhra Pradesh were from BC communities (especially kapus). Many of the leaders who adorned the chief minister's throne were either from kamma community or reddy community. Even brahmin community leaders got their due share except for kapu leaders, added observers.

This was apparently one of the strong reasons as to why Chiranjeevi came out with PRP with the motto social justice. And people welcomed him, that's the reason why he drew 18 seats in the AP assembly, which was no joke. However, upon understanding that social justice would be attained only if PRP joins the bigger league, he merged his party with the ruling Congress. Since then people (especially from BC communities) have been presumably waiting to see Chiranjeevi as a chief minister.

When Chiranjeevi was made Rajya Sabha MP, the same people reportedly got irked with Congress high command's approach and said that the party was taking away their leader from them. But now they all are happy finally since Chiranjeevi got recognition at the central level. They are now of the opinion that  Chiranjeevi can address their problems and put forth the same directly before the prime minister.

The moment Chiranjeevi reached Delhi, celebrations in the state touched sky. At all party offices, people exchanged sweets and burst the crackers. For now, people are happy with Congress party that it gave due recognition to Chiranjeevi. But it must not stop here, said the observers. People in Andhra Pradesh would keep Congress party in their hearts only when Chiranjeevi is made the chief minister candidate for 2014 elections. Because if Chiru becomes the chief minister candidate, he would surely adorn the CM throne. Such a move would not only make Congress retain its power but would also presumably erase the talk that Congress never made a kapu leader the chief minister of state.

(AW Phani)