Kapu leader determined to continue fast as it enters 3rd day

Kapu leader Mudragada Padmanabham's fast-until death in support of the demand for inclusion of the community in the Backward Classes (BC) category entered its third day today.
Padmanabham, who is sitting on fast with his wife Padmavathi at their house in Kirlampudi village, 60 km from Kakinada in East Godavari district from Friday, reportedly did not allow doctors or any officials to enter the house.
"I am prepared for any sacrifice as such and the question of calling off the fast does not arise," he said.
"My life is dedicated to my Kapu community and I will not rescind from my determination to fight through peaceful method of fasting till the demand for BC status to Kapus is considered," he added.

"We (myself and wife) are fine. Health condition is good and satisfactory. At present there (is) no requirement of any medical examination for us," he said.
The Kapur leader further said that state government should accept their demands.

"Now there is no place for any negotiations. If Chandrababu disclose the secret of becoming rich, our Kapu community people (will) also follow him to become rich with out seeking reservations," he added.
Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister N Chinnnarajappa today said CM N Chandrababu Naidu is only one person who can do the inclusion of Kapus in BC.
"AP CM (Naidu) is taking all steps to include Kapus in BC. Naidu is the only one person who can make inclusion of Kapus in BC," Chinnnarajappa was quoted as saying in a statement.

"Naidu is declaring his assets every year and was maintaining transparency in declaring his assets. Nobody has any right to question Naidu's assets as he was declaring his assets every year, without fail", he added.
A relay-hunger fast by local Kapu leaders in Rajahmundry continued for the second day today.
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Meanwhile, a large number of Padmanabham's supporters gathered at his residence in Kirlampudi after word spread that police were trying to make him break his fast.
Cars were parked at the main entrance of his residence, apparently to block any such bid.
Padmanabham's supporters alleged that police and revenue officials were trying to break his fast as government had not opened any negotiations with the Kapu leader.

East Godavari SP Ravi Prakash today appealed to activists and local political leaders to not visit Kirlampudi as it may lead to a law and order issue.
Padmanabham has refused to undergo a medical checkup.