Hyderabad, October 25, 2025 — Kalvakuntla Kavitha’s Jagruthi Janam Baata is being seen as the latest in a long line of padayatras in Telugu politics. Padayatras — long political walks — have shaped the fortunes of leaders in both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
Janam Baata’s Focus
Kavitha’s walk is presented as a people’s outreach. Over four months, she plans to cover all 33 districts of Telangana. The stress, according to her team, is on meeting farmers, women and youth, and recording their problems. The tour begins in Warangal and ends in Hyderabad.
Past Padayatras in Telugu States
- Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy undertook a marathon padayatra in 2003, walking 1,500 km across Andhra Pradesh. It helped him sweep the 2004 elections.
- Chandrababu Naidu and Jagan Mohan Reddy also relied on padayatras to connect with voters, often using them to rebuild lost ground.
- In Telangana, padayatras have been used by leaders to highlight regional demands, including during the separate statehood movement.
What Sets Janam Baata Apart
Unlike earlier padayatras, which were openly political, Kavitha’s team insists this journey is social in nature. The stress is on dialogue and cultural programmes, not rallies. However, many observers say the final meeting in Hyderabad could turn it into a political platform, especially if Kavitha announces a new party.
Why the Comparison Matters
Padayatras have a proven record of shaping public mood in the Telugu states. Whether Janam Baata follows the same path or carves its own identity will become clear only in the coming months.
