Recently there have been lot of debates and altercations on Jagan statements on Kapu reservations during his Pada Yatra in East Godavari district. Jagan told that he will not be able to assure on Kapu reservations as the subject is in the purview of union government but he can assure on what is in his hands and he will give 10000 crores to Kapu Corporation in the span of 5 years. Chandrababu Naidu announced 5000 crores to Kapu Corporation before 2014 elections and so far has given less than 1500 crores. Despite Jagan announcement of 10000 crores to Kapu Corporation Kapu youth voiced against Jagan stand on reservation.

Jagan stand on Kapu reservation is almost similar to the stand of BJP on special category status to Andhra Pradesh. BJP has been saying that they are committed to the Welfare and development of Andhra Pradesh. BJP also saying they will give more money to the state of Andhra Pradesh in the form of special package rather than special category status. However money couldn’t excite people of Andhra Pradesh because it is an emotional issue as the special category status is considered as lifeline for Andhra Pradesh that lost heavily due to bifurcation. When the issue becomes emotional one it is difficult to resolve it by merely offering money.

The same pattern could be observed even during Telangana movement. There were times when union government led by Congress was ready to offer package worth of thousands of crores to Telangana and form a Development Council to implement various development schemes utilising that money. However Telangana people outright rejected such offer. TRS leader Harish Rao even told that, “Give that money to Seemandhra and give us separate Telangana state.”

So it is clear that when an issue becomes emotional one, it will be difficult to resolve it through money or package. Be it Telangana movement, or special category status issue or Kapu reservations, people want to achieve what they are fighting for , not money or other monetary benefits.Another reason for people rejecting such monetary offers is that, in India general perception is that such packages and money will help only the leaders but not the people as most of it will not reach the people at ground level.

So it seems Jagan failed to understand the emotional aspect of the issue and tried to appease Kapus by announcing funds to corporation which backfired. Even though now he took U-turn on that stand, there has been enough damage done mainly because his failure to understand the emotional aspect of the issue..

-ZURAN