63 police cases forced Padmanabham into indefinite fast

Mudragada Padmanabham, Kapu supremo, on Friday said he was willing to give up his fast-unto-death if the TDP government could give a clear assurance on the issue of reservation for the Kapus. Padmanabham went on indefinite fast along with his wife, Padmavathy, earlier in the day, at their Kirlampudi residence, demanding reservations for the Kapus. Giving reasons for his fast-unto-death, the Kapu supremo said it was to belie that he was afraid of being arrested for the violent turn to the Kapu Unity Roar meeting that he was undertaking the indefinite fast. Sixty-three cases have been filed against him in connection with the Kapu meeting last Sunday, when the Ratnachal Express was burnt down and two police stations in Tuni were set on fire, besides large-scale and systematic violence. It was to ward off the stigma that he opted for staying put at home that he had to take the step of fast. He revealed that government representatives such as Thota Sreeramulu, Bonda Umamaheshwar Rao and Boddu Bhaskararao had met him. He told them the same that if the government gave a clear assurance he would break the fast immediately. Padmanabham added that he would not call off his stir even if the government were to say that the Justice Manjunath Commission that was going to look into the issue would be submitting its report within 3 months. He told the same to government representatives. In the circumstances, he had no go other than taking up the indefinite fast. He also added that if the government were to come out with clear proposals on the issue, he was ready to call off the agitation.