At a time when the political atmosphere in Andhra Pradesh is getting heated up following the announcement of schedule for general elections to the state assembly and Lok Sabha, there has been an unusual silence from Kapu strongman and former minister Mudragada Padmanabham.

Mudragada, who had been writing strongly-worded letters and addressing meetings attacking Telugu Desam Party president and chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu all these days, has remained quite silent these days.

He has not been making any statements either against Naidu or in favour of any other party.The Kapu community, which he has been championing all these years, is waiting for a statement from Mudragada as to which party they should support in the elections.

In a television channel interview a couple of months ago, Mudragada said he had been in contact with all political parties on many issues including reservation issue of the Kapu community but he has not taken any decision on taking a political stand.

He said he did not want to make any comment against any single party at this juncture, as no political party has come out with any concrete assurance on the Kapu reservation issue.Sources, however, said the passage of Kapu quota bill, seeking to provide five per cent quota to them under EBC category, has silenced him and he is not able to decide whether to support it or oppose it.Since it also got the nod from the Governor, there is nothing that he could do now, unless the courts strike it down.

Indirectly, Mudragada has been working against the TDP, but openly, he is not extending any support to any party. May be, he will come out with a specific stand very shortly.