Anirudh Reddy asks Pawan Kalyan to acknowledge goodwill of Telangana people

Congress MLA J Anirudh Reddy criticised Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, urging him to acknowledge the goodwill of Telangana people after receiving a grand welcome at Kondagattu temple. The remarks come in the backdrop of earlier controversial comments by Kalyan, which had triggered backlash from Congress leaders.

Hyderabad: Continuing his tirade against Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, Congress MLA from Jadcherla J Anirudh Reddy on Saturday said the actor-turned-politician should acknowledge the goodwill of Telangana people after being extended a grand welcome during his visit to the Kondagattu temple.

Pawan Kalyan visited the Lord Hanuman temple at Kondagattu in Jagtial district on Saturday to lay the foundation stone for a choultry and other structures being taken up by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams. The TTD is constructing the buildings at an estimated cost of Rs 35.19 crore.

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Recalling Pawan Kalyan’s earlier remarks that an “evil eye” from Telangana had affected the development of Konaseema, the Congress MLA said the Deputy Chief Minister should appreciate the generosity and goodwill shown by Telangana people.

During an informal interaction with media persons, Anirudh Reddy said that despite Pawan Kalyan having made objectionable comments in the past, Telangana people always maintained goodwill towards others. He pointed out that the Jana Sena chief was accorded a grand welcome and extended full official protocol during his visit.

Pawan Kalyan’s comments made in November had triggered strong backlash from Congress elected representatives. Cinematography Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy had demanded that Pawan Kalyan apologise to the people of Telangana, warning that his films would not be allowed to be screened in the State if he failed to do so.

However, Pawan Kalyan’s party office later issued a statement claiming that his remarks were misinterpreted.