Strange as it may sound, the Kammas, who have traditionally had a political rivalry with the Reddys in Andhra Pradesh, are reportedly finding it easier to deal with Telangana chief minister A Revanth Reddy than with their own community leader, N Chandrababu Naidu, president of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and chief minister of Andhra Pradesh.
According to reports, Kammas who suffered greatly during the Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy regime between 2019 and 2024 put in all their efforts to bring Naidu back to power; aided by the Kapu community, which rallied behind Pawan Kalyan.
Kamma leaders, activists, and workers stood firmly by Naidu during that period, enduring hardships including false legal cases and imprisonment under Jagan’s government.
Yet, since Naidu’s return as chief minister in June 2024, many within the community feel betrayed, sidelined, and ignored. This growing disenchantment is reportedly prompting some to look toward Hyderabad and Revanth Reddy for a more inclusive and supportive future.
Many Kammas believe their sacrifices have been forgotten. They say even securing an audience with Naidu has become impossible. The sentiment is widespread; that Naidu and his son, Nara Lokesh, have turned their backs on those who fought for their political comeback.
Despite expectations of recognition, most Kamma leaders have been overlooked for significant positions. In particular, leaders from Krishna district; a Kamma stronghold; have been notably absent from key roles, raising doubts about Naidu’s commitment to his core supporters.
Adding to the frustration is the perception that businessmen and contractors who prospered under Jagan’s regime are now being favoured under Naidu as well. Companies such as Megha Engineering (MEIL), Cell Con, Grenco, Visweshawar Reddy, and Axis Power; which enjoyed preferential treatment from 2019 to 2024; are reportedly still securing lucrative deals.
“These are the same players who flourished while Kamma loyalists suffered,” said a TDP worker from Guntur. “Yet, they’re the ones getting access and contracts, while we’re left in the cold,” he told a local daily.
Similarly, many bureaucrats who were sidelined during Jagan’s rule due to their perceived TDP leanings remain in insignificant posts, while officials loyal to Jagan are back in influential positions.
Middle-level Kamma leaders in particular feel abandoned, with no platform to voice grievances or seek redress. “There’s no one to listen,” lamented a Kamma businessman.
This discontent is now pushing many Kamma businessmen and leaders toward Hyderabad, where Revanth Reddy is seen as more accommodating. Unlike the previous BRS government, which restricted Kamma-led protests in Hyderabad during Naidu’s arrest in 2023, Revanth has taken no action against the community and has shown openness to their interests.
“Hyderabad feels like a safer bet,” admitted a Kamma entrepreneur who recently shifted operations to Telangana. “Revanth understands the value of our community’s contributions.”
For now, frustration among Kammas is palpable, and their gaze is increasingly turning toward Hyderabad, where opportunities and recognition seem more accessible.
“Unless Naidu and Lokesh address this reality, the TDP risks losing the loyalty of a community that has been its strongest ally for over four decades,” the report warned.
