In the history of Andhra Pradesh since independence, if there has been one politician from the Kapu community who had the potential to become Chief Minister or at least a very prominent leader, it was undoubtedly Vangaveeti Mohana Ranga Rao popularly known as Ranga.

His rise was meteoric and the brutal nature of his killing only served to consolidate his cult status among the Kapus. Since then, his community has been unable to find a leader of similar stature.

Chiranjeevi appeared as a credible option for a brief while with his Praja Rajyam but only flattered to deceive. Therefore, in 2014 polls, Pawan Kalyan became a rallying point for the community.

Heeding his advice, they voted for the TDP-BJP combine en masse, especially in the Godavari districts, which helped Chandrababu Naidu come to power. But for the Kapu support to TDP, YS Jagan would probably have become the Chief Minister.

When Vangaveeti Ranga was alive, his period was characterized by a fierce clash between the Kamma and Kapu communities. While the Kammas had the backing of the TDP which is their own party, Ranga was in the Congress. At the time of his murder, Ranga was a Congress legislator.

The general perception in the State is that Ranga’s murder could not have been possible without active support from the ruling TDP at that time. Since then, the community has never voted TDP until 2014 when Pawan Kalyan canvassed for it.

This gives rise to the question: Is Pawan Kalyan a bigger leader than Vangaveeti Ranga? Otherwise, why would the Kapus who consider Ranga to be a demigod, vote for the very party which they blame for Ranga’s murder?

In caste-crazy Andhra Pradesh, it is difficult to believe that they voted for TDP by putting aside their personal prejudices because the new State needed an experienced hand like Chandrababu at the helm at such a time.

They simply voted TDP because Pawan Kalyan asked them to do so. Otherwise, no genuine follower of Vangaveeti Ranga would have ever voted for the TDP. Period! In that sense, is Pawan Kalyan, a bigger leader than Vangaveeti Ranga?