Despite criticism, Pawan Kalyan defends Telangana ‘Jagir’ remarks

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Jana Sena Party chief Pawan Kalyan defended his controversial remark that Telangana was not anyone’s “jagir”, asserting that no one could prevent him from entering the State.

Hyderabad: Despite the controversy surrounding his recent remarks, Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan defended his comments that Telangana was not anyone’s “jagir” and asserted that no one can prevent him from entering the State.

Speaking in a podcast with ANI, the Jana Sena Party (JSP) chief said his remarks were a response to repeated questions about his political role in Telangana.

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“Some leaders and fringe elements in Telangana have continuously questioned (me). They kept saying I cannot step into Hyderabad, let alone contest elections there. In my own country, nobody has the right to tell me whether I can enter a State or not. That is why I said this is not your jagir,” Pawan Kalyan said.

Responding to JSP’s expansion into Telangana was linked to a succession battle with Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh, Pawan Kalyan dismissed such speculation. He said there was no succession issue in Andhra Pradesh and maintained that he was not aspiring for any position.

On concerns among Chief Ministers in different States about his entry into their political landscape, Pawan Kalyan said they were wary of his ability to influence voters.

“In 2014, I campaigned in Chikkaballapur for the BJP and influenced voters there. The region has a sizeable Telugu-speaking population, and Bengaluru also has a large Telugu community,” he stressed.

On the criticism that he was advancing the BJP’s agenda, Pawan Kalyan said his views were shaped by nationalism.

“I grew up with the idea of nationalism. If that is the case, then I must say Rahul Gandhi does not belong to southern India despite leading a national party,” he remarked.

Commenting on Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy’s allegations that the Union government was discriminating against southern States, Pawan Kalyan said such arguments were not beneficial for the country.

“If ordinary people make such comments without understanding the seriousness of the issue, it is understandable. But when a Chief Minister raises it, the argument must be addressed and countered. You can reframe your argument differently but not in the context of North and South,” he added.