There was tension at the residence of former Andhra Pradesh minister Mudragada Padmanabham in Kirlampudi, Kakinada district, as his family and supporters prevented his daughter Barlapudi Kranthi from touching his body. Padmanabham, a Kapu leader who passed away, had instructed that his daughter not be allowed at his funeral. This directive stemmed from his daughter’s public support for Jana Sena leader Pawan Kalyan in the 2024 elections.
Barlapudi Kranthi had openly endorsed Pawan Kalyan as the Kapu community leader, leading to a rift with her father. After failing to defeat Pawan Kalyan in the elections, Padmanabham changed his name to Padmanabha Reddy. Despite this, he insisted that his daughter stay away from him even after his demise. The former minister, known for advocating for Kapu community reservation, had recently joined the YSR Congress Party before the elections.
Police intervened to prevent Kranthi and her supporters from approaching Padmanabham’s body, respecting the deceased leader’s wishes. Despite protests from family members and followers, Kranthi was escorted to her father’s house by the police. She was not allowed to touch the coffin containing her father’s body and left after a brief visit. The Andhra Pradesh government decided to conduct Padmanabham’s funeral with official honors, following discussions between Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan.
