The Andhra Pradesh government has decided to extend 5 percent quota to Kapus out of the 10 percent meant for the economically poor. Thus, only the remaining part (that is, 5 percent) will be left for the economically backward classes in the State.

"We had sought reservations for Kapus from the Centre. However, the BJP didn't accept the State's request," chief minister Chandrababu Naidu said.

It has to be seen how the electoral arithmetic will play out after this decision. Kapus have been demanding quota in government jobs and education for years now. Months ahead of the elections this year, the TDP government has tried to reach out to the numerically important community.

Caste groups in other States may start demanding similar policy decisions.