Pawan Kalyan does a U-turn, seeks to clarify remarks

Pawan Kalyan, Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Jana Sena Party president, defended his remarks in Telangana, clarifying that his intention was to promote unity and not regional divisions.

Hyderabad: Facing criticism over his recent remarks in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Jana Sena Party president Pawan Kalyan on Wednesday sought to clarify his position, stressing that his intention was to promote unity rather than fuel regional divisions.

Addressing the media after paying tributes to Potti Sreeramulu on his death anniversary, Pawan Kalyan said Telangana rightfully belonged to its people and there was no dispute over the State being the domain of its sons of the soil. However, he maintained that no one should be prevented from entering Telangana or participating in political activities there.

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He also adopted a conciliatory approach towards BRS working president KT Rama Rao, stating that the two shared a brotherly relationship and mutual respect. When the media cited Rama Rao’s remarks, he said he did not believe the BRS leader spoke inappropriately about him.

Pawan Kalyan observed that while people in Telangana displayed a strong emotional attachment to their State, caste identities often overshadowed a sense of statehood in Andhra Pradesh. He said Andhra Pradesh needed to cultivate a stronger collective identity and belonging among its people.

Rejecting accusations of promoting regional divisions, he said territorial boundaries should not create divisions among people. In response to remarks by Telangana Ministers, he criticised attempts to generate hostility between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana and urged political leaders to avoid rhetoric that could deepen regional tensions.

The Jana Sena chief also clarified that the party’s future expansion in Telangana would be driven by local leadership. Defending his party’s right to operate in any State, he questioned why anyone should object if local Jana Sena leaders chose to hold public meetings in Telangana.

“I have shut down the Telangana office, but the local leaders wanted me to continue operating in Telangana. We have contested in Telangana elections earlier and will continue to do so. I spoke only at the request of my party’s local leaders, after some people questioned my presence in Telangana,” he clarified.