OBCs, who constitute more than 50% of the states four-crore population, have remained the backbone of his partys support base since. There is division among BCs because some communities alienated are from the masses. Views expressed are the authors own. The Kapus are primarily an agrarian community based in the Andhra-Telangana region. When Dalits are due to get three cabinet posts in proportion to their population, KCR gave them only one ministry, Murali told The Wire. She is also the daughter of the TRS senior leader and Former Congress Veteran K.Keshava Rao. KCR has been accused of only paying lip service to the Dalits during his rule, but not bringing them under any worthwhile welfare schemes. Also read: Why Centres Unjustified Role in Andhra-Telangana Water Dispute Is Worrying. The Dubbak bypoll saw the BJP and TRS use the same narratives. The Grand Old Party secured 29.48 percent of votes over the BJPs 19.45 percent in the 2019 national elections. The BITA narrative helps the BJP focus on caste configurations in a much better manner than it had managed for the Lok Sabha elections. Pravin Kumar, an IPS officer, and Akunuri Murali, an IAS officer from the civil services, raised questions about discrimination meted out to Dalit officers in the TRS government. Caste engineering in Telangana - The Hindu Never before has a by-poll seen such importance and also such a close fight. Traditionally, they were a diverse community of merchants and cultivators. Using social engineering to expand its prospects in Telangana and ferociously targeting the alliance of TRS and the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM), the BJP has already strategised itself before the GHMC and legislative council elections. Vinod happens to be a close relative of both KCR and Vidyasagar Rao. Exclusion and mobilisation of the marginalised. KCR is a product of NTRs party, and has meticulously robbed his one-time parent outfit of this solid vote bank. Munnuru Kapus were classified under the Group-D of Backward Classes list with a restriction to Telangana region in the erstwhile combined AP in 1970. Sanjay is allegedly facing problems from the party leaders of Velamas, a community KCR also belongs to. Bikshamaiah Nethi Vidya Sagar is an Indian politician served as the 1st Deputy Chairman of Telangana Legislative Council from 02 June 2014 to 04 June 2021. He also succeeded in roping Union Home Minister Amit Shah for the Telangana Liberation Day programme at Nirmal on September 17, 2021. Years later, those dreams are yet to be fulfilled. Copyright - newindianexpress.com 2023. newindianexpress.com reserves the right to take any or all comments down at any time. But, they have never been represented in the Assembly proportionate to their population. Citing the NCRB (National Crime Records Bureau) data, he alleged that the KCR government has miserably failed to check the growing atrocities on SCs and STs. He has served as president of the BJYM, the partys youth wing, and also was president of state unit before becoming Union minister. Hyderabad: Telangana Munnuru Kapu Mahasabha president Sardar Puttam Purshotham thanked Welfare Minister Gangula Kamalakar, Endowment Minister A Indrakaran Reddy and Rajya Sabha member K. Kisi ka bhai Kisi ki Jaan Movie star casting, director, producer, story, plot, review, box office report and complete details. It is situated over a hillock in the Nalgonda district, Telangana at a distance of 6 km from Riagir Railway station, 13 km from Bhongir and around 60 kilometers from the capital city of Hyderabad. The TRS and the BJP had fought the 2019 Lok Sabha elections pitting the TRSs narrative of adhyatmik (spiritual) Hindutva against the BJPs political Hindutva. Murali alleged that at least 50 bureaucrats from the Dalit community have been subjected to discrimination in the KCR government and not given posts which they deserve. As shown in the table. BRS Minister Niranjan Reddy alleged to have encroached Krishna River too to extend his farm house. After Telangana became a separate state, the KCR government only helped reinforce the caste-entrenched feudal relations in the hinterlands. Therefore, BJP politics are much revolving around the Backward caste leaders. Munnuru Kapu contributes the major percentage of population in Telangana than any other caste. Bikshamaiah Nethi Vidya Sagar is anIndianpolitician served as the 1st Deputy Chairman ofTelangana Legislative Councilfrom 02 June 2014 to 04 June 2021. Telangana Ravichandra files nomination for RS May 19, 2022 06:47 pm | Updated 06:47 pm IST - HYDERABAD . But the BJP won four seats out of the states 17 Lok Sabha seats and the TRS ended up with only nine seats. There is no Vajpayee-Advani liberal-extreme binary in Telangana. Earlier, Revanth also visited Mudichintalapalli, another one of KCRs adopted villages, in Karimnagar district to present the plight of Dalits as a classic case of how KCR failed to fulfil his promise of housing for the community. On August 5, the chief minister rolled out the Dalit Bandhu scheme in Vasalamarri village, part of Telanganas Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district, with a promise to spend Rs 1 lakh crore over a period of four years and distribute Rs 10 lakh to each Dalit family. Yes, All most all Telangana Reddy's are converted from Munnuru Kapu. Leaders like V. Hanumantha Rao,. It cannot be decided on the streets by some self-seeking individuals or groups, a senior party leader told The Federal, seeking anonymity. Recently, BC leaders said that if political parties did not field candidates from BC castes, they would contest the elections independently. Suryapet: Members of Munnuru Kapu Association on Thursday staged a dharna and burnt an effigy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Telangana Thalli junction in Suryapet protesting against raids on the offices of elected representatives belong to the community by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Income Tax officials.. For example, in Andhra Pradesh, the Reddy-Kamma caste rivalry is addressed and satisfied with the presence of both castes in the Congress and the Telugu Desam Party. Naidu, which is a derivation of the word Nayaka (meaning "leader . Dharamapur is a member of the Munnuru Kapus, a powerful OBC community. Since Congress favours Reddys in Telugu states and has the history of Pampering Reddys since Independence, and the BRS being the Dynasty party of KCR who belongs to Velama caste , BJP started working on grooming BC leaders in the state. All rights reserved. Telangana: Polls 20 months away, but bickering begins among BJP's CM What is the caste of madavaram krishna rao, kukatpalli mla, Bandi sanjay karimnagar mp is munnuru kapu. Parvatham Venkateshwar phd thesis is also attached to this blog to help the readers understand about the culture and heritage of Munnurukapu caste. AP Jithendra Reddy, former MP and senior party leader, projected Sanjay as the future chief minister at the rally, exuding confidence that the condition of farmers in Telangana would improve in the Sanjay-led BJP government, which he predicted will be formed after state elections in 2023. His plan was to highlight the plight of local Dalit families. Caste engineering in Telangana || KA paul About Munugodu Elections In its latest move, the BJP has tried to gain the trust of backward castes through the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC). Given Etelas popularity and his anti-KCR track record, many observers expect him to be projected as the CM face by the party top brass in the run-up to the next elections. Now, through an alliance with the Jana Senas Pawan Kalyan (a Kapu) and by appointing a Kapu as Andhra Pradeshs BJP state president, the BJP is, in many ways, trying to break the dominant caste arithmetic by first gathering together the small fish. The TRS, under KCRs leadership, is setting the stage to face state elections in the next two years. Aravind and K. Laxman, the last of whom recently became the national president for the BJPs OBC (other backward class) Morcha. Munnuru kapu is a community to be respond one of the first, towards contribution of welfare and humanity. The Political System in Telangana contextualises the Munnurukapu Community in the backdrop of Political Power Structures in Andhra Pradesh with special reference to Telangana. The maxim the blood is thicker than water comes true in the internal caste dynamics of the state BJP. Munnuru Kapus have historically been associated with the Congress. Thanks to the Karminagar Assembly and Parliament elections 2018-19 respectively as they gave birth to new leadership in the BJP. Nizamabad poll equations in flux, BJP & Cong look to challenge BRS Selection of the CM candidate will be done by the party national leadership at an appropriate time. DescriptionHi, FriendsThank you for your support to "TJROPENTALK" channelTjrOpenTalk is purely Entertainment based digital media channel. The Rise of Munnuru kapu Caste in Telangana Politics. Munnurukapu leaders actively participated in the movement and were part of JACS. By concentrating on a few castes via social engineering and by using the grand narrative of Hinduness against the cultural enemies (read Muslims) of the country, the BJP is keeping its base open in Telangana. They are often referred as Patels in Telangana region and falls under Kshatriya. According to legend in Tretayugam, there was a sage called Yadarishi, who was son of the great sage Rishyasrunga and Santa Devi and performed penance inside a cave with Anjaneya's blessings. However, the BJPs windfall in that election could be mainly attributed to the Modi wave, but not to the partys real strength on the ground. This had an adverse impact on the TRSs electoral prospects in at least two Lok Sabha seats Nizamabad and Karimnagar in north Telangana. The importance of these blocs and their adjoining constituencies in Uttara Telangana is that they are predominantly represented by the Velama caste (landlords), which actually comprises less than 2% of Telanganas entire population. This act was considered by analyst to counter BJP tactics of attracting Munnuru Kapus and pass out a signal that TRS too is giving huge importance to this community. In addition, NTR also introduced reservations in local bodies, politically empowering OBCs at the grassroots level. Phd from Osmania university on Munnurukapu caste history and leaders in munnurukapu community. Munnuru Kapus thought it was a mere discrimination on them as Congress preferred OCs over them. As expected, he prepared the party ranks to be aggressive against the TRS government and be ready to face state oppression. Telangana, with its history of communal divide right from the period of the Nizams rule, provides fertile ground for the BJP to grow. Munnuru Kapus are the strong and rising community in the Telangana. Occupation KCR, as he is popularly known, is from the small Velama caste in Telangana. They raised slogans against Modi and condemning the ED/IT raids on the . Lalitha pointed out that the Munnuru Kapus comprise roughly 26 per cent of the population in the State, of which about half are women. Try to avoid outside hyperlinks inside the comment. Gali Nagaraja is a freelance journalist who writes on the two Telugu states. The government stated that if the Munnuru Kapu people migrate to other places in Andhra Pradesh, they can obtain Munnuru Kapu caste certificates on the production of proof that they belong to the seven merged mandals. Also read: Telangana: Ahead of By-Election, BJP Workers Assault Police, Flee with Cash During Raids. Most political parties in Telangana eulogise communal harmony by invoking the states Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb or composite culture. It may be a daunting task for him to secure a third term without the backing of OBC groups. They said the community should have cast feeling but not cast discrimination. . The Munnuru Kapu votebank will be the tipping factor in the ensuing election. All the comments will be moderated by the newindianexpress.com editorial. Also read: Governor Tamilisais remarks on TRS govt irresponsible: Telangana minister. Get the latest news, top headlines, opinions, analysis and much more from India and World including current news headlines on elections, politics, economy, business, science, culture on The Wire. Terms of Use | |A+AA-, TRS flag for representational purposes (File Photo | PTI). Published: 21st August 2022 04:24 AM| Thus the election in Dubbak is likely to expose the strengths and weaknesses of the incumbent government and has become an issue of prestige for three parties: the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), the Indian National Congress (INC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). To KCRs embarrassment, his firebrand daughter Kavitha Kalvakuntla suffered a humiliating defeat in her native Nizamabad constituency at the hands of her BJP rival, Aravind Dharmapuri, in the 2019 general elections. Subsequently, tempers ran high with a charged political atmosphere across the state. Sanjays projection as CM candidate has put many in the party at unease, with rival factions opposing his leadership. The Munnuru Kapu BJP leaders like Jogu Ramanna , Danam Nagender, Gangula Kamalakar,Korukanti Chander, vanama Venkateshwar rao, Jajula Surender, Dasyam Vinaya Bhaskar, etc have not raised their voices or seen counter attacking the BJP leaders. The party does not even have crowd-pullers like the YS Rajasekhar Reddy who rode the Congress to power twice at difficult times in the erstwhile undivided state of Andhra Pradesh, Tirumalai said. The national elections in 2019 saw the rise of BJP in the state with four Lok Sabha seats. It is well known that most of Mahesh Babu who was seen on constant vacations recently was back to shootings with the Trivikram Srinivas Directorial in september first week. In this caste politics, nobody is bothered about the public's problems and welfare, and it has . Reddy stated, "In Andhra Pradesh, caste dominates politics, and we frequently see a tussle between the Reddy, Kamma, and Kapu communities. Braving strong resistance from local TRS workers, the PCC chief stayed a night in the chief ministers adopted village of Vasalamarri where the Dalit Bandhu scheme was launched a few days ago. The entry of the Kapus into the political process some years ago disturbed the Reddy-Kamma power bloc. Our nation with centuries of its socio-cultural heritage marked by graded inequalities both in status and opportunities, that denied among other education to women, sudras and antisudras, a cruel consequence of Varna and caste systems, sanctified by religion opted oath the dawn of independents for democratic form of governance in tune with the rapidly emerging socio-political order on a global scale. However, his rise was not seen kindly by his rivals and senior leaders in the party. Advertise With Us | Pleased with his devotion Lord Narasimha reportedly appeared before him in five different forms namely Sri Jwala Narasimha , SriGandabherunda, Sri Yogananda, Sri Ugra and Sri Lakshminarasimha which later manifested into finely sculpted forms and hence it is worshiped as Pancha Narasimha Kshetram, 2, Keesara - Yadagirigutta Rd, Punnami, Yadagirigutta, Telangana 508115, 2023 by dollorsbag designing studio (Shyam), Ex. But to his chagrin, he has been constrained to play second fiddle to Sanjay. Pathaan Movie Review with story, producion, taking and Rating. Vaddiraju Ravichandra - Wikipedia Munnuru Kapu - en-academic.com The BC Welfare Department had recently issued GO 49, including the community people in BC-D category in the seven merged mandals. The current Telangana BJP president is one of the very few leaders chosen from outside Hyderabad to head the state wing of the party after M Venkaiah Naidu, current Vice President of India,. In any case, the tehzeeb is not enough to unite Hindus and the lower castes. Joel Davis of his Christian identity and warning him: This is a Hindu rasthram (nation), remember that.. 9177566741. This was attributed by some sections within the party to the pro-KCR postures adopted by those at the helm. Earlier, during the by-election in the Lingojiguda division in the GHMC, a section of BJP leaders from the state capital forged an understanding with the TRS without the knowledge of the state president. Telugu Desam Party Bharatiya Janata Party Rajya Sabha Telangana lok sabha MaheshBabu back to Shootings with Trivikram Action entertainer, Gouthu Sireesha Wiki Biography, Education, Husband, Caste, politics&more, Teenmaar Mallanna Biography Education Caste Family etc details. The BC Welfare Department had recently issued GO 49, including the community people in BC-D category in the seven merged mandals. VIJAYAWADA: The Munnuru Kapu community people in the seven mandals, which were merged with Andhra Pradesh from Telangana, as per the AP Reorganisation Act, 2014 will now be considered BC-D . The 51-year-old took over the state party reins on the back of BJPs spectacular show in the 2019 general elections in Telangana. Vidyasagar Rao, allegedly was instrumental in organising dissidents meet in Karimnagar. But in Telangana, the Velama-Reddy rivalry still remains an open field, especially for the Reddys. We are with the great sociological, cultural and having a great historical presence . The political culture in Telangana shows the denial of representation to marginalised sections despite the size of backward classes population. The saffron party is likely to bank upon Munnuru Kapu, Mudiraj, Reddy and ST communities. Kiran Kumar Reddy was much junior and a mere low profile leader from Rayalaseema who was made the CM and this was a huge insult to the Senior BC leaders . Caste bonhomie cutting across political lines was witnessed when Vidyasagar Rao, as Maharashtra Governor, mediated a one-to-one meeting between KCR and the then Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis to iron out inter-state problems on sharing of Godavari waters that led to the building of the Kaleswaram Lift Irrigation Scheme. Bandaru Dattatreya, K Lakshman, N Indrasena Reddy and G Kishan Reddy, all-based in Hyderabad, had headed the party before and after Telangana state was carved out. Therefore they had good share in two assembly elections that is 2009 and 2014 with 12 members. Aravind has gained the fame of a leader who uses extensive data to counter attack the allegations made by opposition. The Telangana movement continued for 14 years. Rise of Munnuru Kapu Caste Politicians in Telangana NIZAMABAD: With the BJP leadership focusing on the Munnuru Kapu community to strengthen the party in the State, former TRS MLC and Telangana State Women's Finance Corporation (TSWFC). The samithi members alleged that the BJP government at the Centre was using IT and ED raids to target its political opponents. The BJPs win in the Dubbak and Huzurabad by-elections and the inroads it made in the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) elections elevated Sanjays stature. KCRs alliance with the AIMIM came in handy for the national ruling party to capitalise on the widening religious divide. So far, his winning mantra has been to focus on regional sentiments. Eyeing power by 2024, BJP shifts gears in Telangana, AP He is great leader and he has great commitment towards Munnuru Kapu community. His vision and ideas for the community is great asset for us. Kapu community leaders in Khammam condemned the IT and ED raids on the residences and offices of MP Vaddiraju Ravichandra and Civil Supplies Minister Gangula Kamalakar. All rights reserved. Though he was a Chiefminister candidate in the party, he was not opted for the chiefminister post by the congress high command due to the regionalism factor in Telugu states. Munnuru Kapu TRS leaders are playing tactful politics and maintaining silence in attacking BJP leaders. Khammam: Kapu Sangham leaders condemn IT and ED raids Parvatham Venkateshwar phd thesis is also attached to this blog to help the readers understand about the culture and heritage of Munnurukapu caste. Karimnagar: The Munnuru Kapu community people on Thursday staged protests across the erstwhile Karimnagar district in protest against ED and IT raids on the houses and offices of BC Welfare and Civil Supplies Minister Gangula Kamalakar and Rajya Sabha MP Vaddiraju Ravichandra. Why South Audience are upset with Saif role in Adipurush? The BJP hopes to settle for second place, edging out the Congress, in Telangana politics. Sanjay, hailing from the numerically dominant OBC Munnuru Kapu community and a product of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), rose from a municipal councillor in Karimnagar town to become Lok Sabha MP and later the state party president. Hyderabad: Munnuru Kapu leaders hold meeting in Ramanthapur . An army of workers from the RSS and its front organisations provide a strong cadre base for the party. Good ,but what is the contribution of these gentlemen to the community. Whatever Reddy's are key maker's like in Telanaga, Even the so called Reddy's are kapu if you see there caste certificate. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Munnuru Kapu - Wikipedia Veegam, Published Date - 07:17 PM, Fri - 11 November 22, | Khammam Kapu Sangham Leaders Condemn It And Ed Raids, TRS MP terms ED, IT raids filled with political motives, promises complete cooperation, ED, IT Raids: Munnuru Kapu association stages dharna in Suryapet, Telangana govt working for welfare of labourers and farmers: Puvvada, Telangana emerging as a sports hub: Srinivas Goud, Indoor, outdoor stadiums being developed in towns of Khammam district, Khammam Collector distributes study material to students at Mahila Pranganam, Modi government diluting MGNREGS: Vyavasaya Karmika Sangham, Two killed, eight injured in a road accident in Khammam, IPL 2023: Royal Challengers Bangalore beat Lucknow Super Giants by 18 runs, UN envoy says Sudans warring sides agree to negotiate, Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs feature on Royal Mail stamp marking Kings coronation, CM KCR says BRS to go alone in Maharashtra, Russia missile attack on Ukraine injures 34, damages homes. As OBC Groups Drift Away From KCR, Will His Attempts to Consolidate Dalit Votes Work? The Congress senior leader who switched to TRS Mr. K Keshava Rao had remained silent ever since he joined the TRS. The idea of Kapus coming together at all is a feat of political imagination only a few decades old. While 1,466 cases of atrocities against Dalits were reported in 2017, the cases went up to 1,507 in 2018 and 1,690 in 2019, the data showed. Though the Velamas support the TRS, the Reddys could switch between all the three major parties in the state. Though there are around 7-8 leaders ( MLA and MPs )from TRS party since 2014, their role is very limited in the party. Whether it is fund allocation , usage of funds, corruption or other aspects , Dharmapuri Aravind is known to use factual data to counter attack the opposition and this made the educated Telangana admiring him as a future leader. Aravind and K. Laxman, the last. Aravind, known for his communal remarks, to threaten religious minorities, as Aravind recently did by reminding C.P. The views expressed in comments published on newindianexpress.com are those of the comment writers alone. This made KCR to rethink his social engineering. Munnurukapu leaders actively participated in the movement and were part of JACs. All the above leaders of TRS belong to Munnuru Kapu Caste but they never have seen counter attacking BJP Leaders except Gangula Kamalakar that too he was rarely seen alleging or replying to Bandi Sanjay comments. Suman Damera, a research scholar from the University of Hyderabad who studied Changing dynamics of caste violence for his PhD, expressed doubts over the prospects of KCR winning the hearts of Dalits with his scheme, given the trust deficit that now exists. ': On May Day, workers rally for betterlabor conditions, Karnataka polls: BJP releases manifesto,promises UCC, freegas cylinders, milk packet, SC says it can dissolve marriage on grounds of 'irretrievable breakdown', The Morning Standard | Dinamani | Kannada Prabha | Samakalika Malayalam | Cinema Express | Indulgexpress | Edex Live | Events Xpress, Contact Us | Munnuru Kapu Leaders have been winning elections from all the leading parties since decades but except Dharmapuri Srinivas , no one could reach the top league of leaders and be in the race of Chief minister. Raghunandan Rao, a vocal Velama leader and KCRs relative, openly showed his dissatisfaction with Sanjays leadership at a partys public rally. If the idea settles, there is a great possibility that any prospects for bettering the lives of the traditionally oppressed will diminish. Hyderabad: Munnuru Kapus thank Gangula Kamalakar, Allola & K Keshava Rao As the BJP gains ground, the next elections may prove tough for the Telangana Rashtra Samithi. Munnurukapu caste representations in 2009 constitute 4 members are elected from TRS. He later Joined TRS party in 2019. Munnurukapu caste representations in 2009 constitute 4 members we are elected from TRS. List of Munnurukapu political Elite Legislatores MPs. Given the fact that the Mandal Movement did not make a huge impact in south India, the BJP is currently reinvigorating that past moment to enable the OBCs to come within the ambit of Hindutva and thus not enter other social movements that may challenge Brahminical Hindutva. Munnuru Kapu caste has been active in politics since preindependence era. TRSs message also was: What Modi is to India, KCR is to Telangana and can also become to India. Encouraged by these gains, the BJP plans to challenge KCRs leadership with its OBC-led social engineering. Caste certificates to this effect will be issued to them. Though the TRS did not put a candidate in the by-election, the BJP lost its sitting seat to the Congress. The above table is formulated from news papers and caste association the data in the table shows the number of Munnurukapus MLAS elected from various political parties in eight assembly elections. Copyright - newindianexpress.com 2023. Munnuru Kapu TRS leaders are playing tactful politics and maintaining silence in attacking BJP leaders. BJP rose from 0 in 2015 to 44 in 2020. Kapu refers to a social grouping of agriculturists found primarily in the southern Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.Kapus are primarily an agrarian community, forming a heterogeneous peasant caste. Mallikarjun Kharge's son Priyank calls PM Modi 'nalayak', Locals remember 'doctor sahib' and his family killed in Ludhiana gas leak incident, Police stop A R Rahman's Pune concert citing 10 pm deadline, 'Reduce our working hours! The post-poll soul-searching by the TRSs think-tank apparently revealed a drift in the partys OBC vote bank in favour of the BJP, leading to the latters windfall. Whatever the outcome of the by-poll at Dubbak, the advantage will remain with the BJP. After district-level conventions, she plans to organise them at the State-level with 30,000 women in Hyderabad. About Us | Privacy Policy | In a statement here on Friday they said that there were 75 to 80 lakh Munnuru Kapus in the State and they were growing politically and economically because of the support of Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao, but the BJP government was trying to tarnish their image. The loss of over 40+ sitting Corporation seats to BJP was a huge set back for the ruling TRS party. 80 Munnuru Kapu families face boycott, VDC warned of action People belonging to Munnuru Kapu Caste in Telangana is primarily Agrarian community and own lands. 2022 THE FEDERAL. By Occupation they are Farmers. The Salman Khan starrer which NTR 30 Muhurtham event began in an auspicious ceremonial way in Hyderabad which was attended by the film Crew and Ace producer Dil Raju. Though financially sound and rich in resources, the community has been out of power most of the time with the exception of Jalagam Vengal Rao of the Congress, who was Chief Minister between 1973 and 1978. The Chief Commissioner of Land Administration has been asked to take steps for incorporating necessary software changes in the Mee Seva portal for the issuance of BC caste certificates to Munnuru Kapu people residing in the seven merged mandals.