Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh:
Kapu leader Mudragada Padmanabham, whose fast-until death entered the second day today, in support of the demand for inclusion of the community in Backward Classes category, said he is determined to continue with the stir.
"My two major demands were conveyed to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu by some mediators but the response was negative," Mr Padmanabham told reporters.
"My demands are fixing up three months deadline for announcing BC status and release of Rs 2,000 crore to Kapu Corporation for the past two years. The government rejected (these demands). I did not come down even a single step. Hence, I am firm on continuing the stir, the question of calling off (the stir) does not arise," he added.
Mr Padmanabham whose agitation in support of the demand had turned violent a few days ago, began the indefinite fast at his native Kirlampudi village on Friday along with his wife, Padmavathi.
Kirlampudi circle inspector Prasad Rao said a team of doctors visited the leader and his wife and advised them to take complete rest.
Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Municipal Administration Minister P Narayana said the state government would allocate Rs 1,000 crore in the coming Budget for the benefit of the Kapu community and appealed to Mr Padmanabham to call off his indefinite fast.