The Andhra Pradesh Turpu Kapu Samkshema Sangham on Monday has urged political parties to ensure adequate political representation of the community, stating that Kapus have reportedly been allocated fewer seats in Parliament, Assembly Legislative Council, the Corporation and local bodies in the last one decade.

The association also decided to appoint coordination committees in all districts to get a legitimate number of fair seats in ensuing local body elections and the 2029 general elections.

Cutting across party lines, leaders of the Telugu Desam Party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) have been holding meetings in several parts of Srikakulam district and other areas of North Andhra region.

Opposition leader of AP Legislative Council and YSRCP senior leader Botcha Satyanarayana, the Telugu Desam Party MLC Vepada Chiranjeevi Rao, AP MARKFED Director and the Association’s State honorary President Anepu Rama Krishna Naidu have resolved to unite the community to regain the political influence in the State. The association released a copy of the resolutions the media in Srikakulam on Monday.

According to them, the community had earlier representation in Rajam, Palakonda, Etcherla, Pathapatnam Assembly seats. However, the Turpu Kapu community is now confined to only Pathapatnam Assembly seat.

They also noted that earlier, Gorle Sriramulu Naidu, Kala Venkata Rao used to play a vital role in Srikakulam politics. However, the dominance of Velama and Kalinga communities reduced the Kapu communities political space in Srikakulam district.

Mr. Kala Venakta Rao was allocated Cheepurupalli seat in Vizianagaram district although he used to represent the Etcherla Assembly seat.

Mr. Botcha Satyanarayana said that it was high time to protect the interests of the community. Mr. Anepu Ramakrishna Naidu said that he would submit a representation to Chief Minister and TDP President N. Chandrababu Naidu for allocation of more MPTC, ZPTC, MLA seats to the community which has the highest population in United Srikakulam district.

“We have no grudge towards other communities. But neglecting the Kapu community in legislature posts, party posts and selections of chairmen posts of various corporations shocked us. It is why, we have decided to protect our interests in a peaceful manner,” said Mr. Rama Krishna said while speaking to media here.

The Association leaders such as Surangi Mohana Rao, S. Jogi Naidu and others said that the association representatives would meet heads of all political parties to ensure justice for the community which has more than 40% population in Srikakulam district. A committee will be assigned the duty of raising the issues related to reservations, job opportunities for youngsters and service activities.