Veteran Kapu leader Mudragada Padmanabham‘s demise marks the end of an era for the Telugu states, a sentiment powerfully articulated by Megastar Chiranjeevi. The cinematic icon expressed profound grief, lamenting the irreparable loss and highlighting Padmanabham’s unwavering commitment to public issues. His heartfelt tribute underscores the deep respect and void left behind.
Key Points
Kapu stalwart Mudragada no more! Chiranjeevi declares ‘An era ended!’
Kapu rights crusader: Tuni stir, padayatras rocked AP politics.
Defied Pawan Kalyan in Pithapuram, then changed his name!
From 25yo MLA to NTR minister: A formidable political journey ends.
Chiranjeevi Mourns An Era’s End
Mudragada Padmanabham’s Demise: Megastar Chiranjeevi‘s Heart-wrenching Tweet… An Era Has Ended! The passing of Kapu leader and former minister Mudragada Padmanabham is an irreparable loss to the Telugu states. Megastar Chiranjeevi, expressing deep emotion, tweeted his condolences, joining many prominent personalities. In his post, which is now going viral on social media, Chiranjeevi lauded Mudragada’s unwavering commitment to public issues, his uncompromising nature in upholding his beliefs, and his profound dedication to society. He stated that Mudragada’s services in public life would always be remembered, wishing for his soul to rest in peace and extending profound condolences to his family members. Chiranjeevi’s tweet captured this sentiment: “The news that former minister, senior political leader, and Kapu movement leader Sri Mudragada Padmanabham is no more, is extremely saddening. His commitment to public issues, his uncompromising personality for his beliefs, and his dedication to society will always be remembered. His services in public life…” — Chiranjeevi Konidela (@KChiruTweets) July 15, 2026
Born on January 22, 1953, in Kirlampudi, East Godavari district, Mudragada’s political journey began early. He was elected as an MLA from the Prathipadu constituency on behalf of the Janata Party in 1978 at the young age of just 25. He subsequently achieved consecutive victories in the 1983 and 1985 elections, emerging as an unchallenged leader. Later, he served as a minister in NTR’s cabinet, where some of his decisions reportedly created a sensation at the time.
Mudragada’s Life: Politics and Kapu Struggle
After resigning from his ministerial post, he founded the Praja Rakshana Samithi. He continued his political endeavors by co-founding the Telugu Naadu Party with K.E. Krishnamurthy (then in Telugu Desam) and Kunduru Janareddy (then in Congress). In 1999, Mudragada was again elected to the Lok Sabha from Kakinada on behalf of the Telugu Desam Party, although he lost from the same constituency in 2004. Most importantly, his long struggles, padayatras, and fasts for the rights of the Kapu community will forever remain etched in the political landscape of Andhra Pradesh. The 2016 Tuni movement and the indefinite hunger strikes he undertook afterwards notably created tremors in Andhra Pradesh politics.
More recently, before the 2024 elections, Mudragada, after donning the YCP scarf, issued a sensation-creating challenge to Pawan Kalyan. He vowed to defeat Pawan Kalyan in Pithapuram and change his name to Mudragada Padmanabha Reddy if he failed. True to his word, after Pawan Kalyan won from Pithapuram, Mudragada changed his name. It is truly saddening that Mudragada Padmanabham, who continuously strived for the development and rights of the Kapu community throughout his life, has left us at the age of 73, marking the end of an era of struggle. His political journey and his unwavering efforts for the Kapu community will always be remembered. May his soul rest in peace.
Looking Ahead
Mudragada Padmanabham’s demise marks the end of an era for Kapu rights. His unwavering commitment, fiercely demonstrated throughout his impactful journey, forged a tireless champion’s lasting legacy for Andhra Pradesh. Though his voice is silenced, his dedication will resonate. May his soul rest in peace.
