Opposition YSR Congress alleged that chief minister Chandrababu Naidu was driving a wedge between BCs and Kapus to escape from his obligation to implement his own poll promise of extending BC status to Kapus.

‘Police imposing restrictions on peoples movements. Borders of East Godavari district have been closed to prevent outsiders entering the district. Check posts have been set up everywhere. Flagrantly violating the fundamental rights, the government is forcing the people to give undertaking that they would not support or take part in any agitation. This is highly objectionable,’ party senior leader Botsa Satyanarayana said.

‘While Chandrababu Naidu says that his government has given permission to the Kapu meeting at Tuni, the police intimidated the people. The people in East Godavari district cannot hold meetings, cannot express themselves and they cannot move freely. These curbs are bound to boomerang on Naidu,” Botsa said.

Refuting the CM’s charge that the arson at Tuni was the handiwork of YSR Congress, Botsa said the violence was the manifestation of the pent up anger of people against the Government’s refusal to honor the poll promises.

“Chandrababu Naidu is known for pitting one caste against the other. He is at it again now by inciting the BCs against Kapus and trying to take political advantage instead of solving the issue amicably,” he said.

Taking a dig at R Krishnaiah, TDP MLA and BC leader from Telangana, who was threatening to go on a strike if Kapus are included in the BC list, he said Krishnaiah should first answer as to why he was silent when 23 castes were removed from the BC list in his state.

‘We have made it very clear that we are seeking reservations without affecting the existing beneficiaries,’ he said.