Calling upon the Kapus to be patient and continue their agitation as the community was on the verge of getting the BC status, former Minister Mudragada Padmanabham on Sunday said it was high time pressure was mounted on the government to get the coveted status.
Hundreds of people from the neighbouring villages visited Mr. Padmanabham at his residence in Kirlampudi to extend their solidarity with the movement.
A few enthusiasts even crawled to his residence from the village outskirts to express their support to the struggle.
Women outnumbered men among the visitors, who made a promise to Mr. Padmanabham that they would join the agitation in large numbers.
They said the reservation would be beneficial for their children to pursue higher education and land a decent job.
Padayatra
Mr. Padmanabham made an attempt in the morning to launch the padayatra, which was foiled by the police.
In the afternoon, along with his family members and supporters, he launched his trademark protest of beating the empty plate with a spoon. He alleged that the government was foiling his attempts to launch the padayatra and brining in new rules into the picture.
“The government made obtaining permission mandatory only for the Kapu padayatra. There is no such rule for any other caste or political party,” he pointed out.