Amid discussions over coordination within the ruling coalition, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan on Friday said he was extending wholehearted and sincere support to the Telugu Desam Party and expected the same level of cooperation in return.
“If I do not receive the cooperation I expect from the TDP, I will take my decision firmly,” he said.
Pawan made strong and emotional remarks on caste politics, alliance compulsions and regional identity in Andhra Pradesh while addressing the Jana Sena Udyami Athmeeya Samavesam in Mangalagiri.
Highlighting regional sentiment, he said the slogan “Jai Andhra” was more inclusive than “Jai Amaravati.” He pointed out that Amaravati, the capital region, represents around 33,000 acres, while Andhra symbolises the aspirations of nearly five crore people.
“It hurts me when people say only ‘Jai Amaravati’. Say ‘Jai Andhra’,” he said.
The Deputy Chief Minister observed that caste continues to play a dominant role in the state’s political landscape.
“There is no unity in Andhra except caste. I was born into a caste, but I did not enter politics for one community alone. I came to work for all sections of society,” he stated.
Defending the alliance with the TDP and the Bharatiya Janata Party, Pawan said it was formed to protect the state’s future and prevent the YSR Congress Party from returning to power.
Referring to his meeting with Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu in jail before the last elections, he said the decision was taken in the larger interests of the state, despite the challenges faced by Jana Sena cadre at the grassroots level.
Pawan also urged party activists not to compare Andhra Pradesh politics with neighbouring states, in an apparent reference to actor-politician Vijay in Tamil Nadu.
Reflecting on his earlier political experience, he recalled that contesting alone in 2019 had resulted in defeats in both constituencies.
On a personal note, Pawan revealed that he has been suffering from severe sinus and shoulder problems due to hectic tours and fan pressure.
He thanked Jana Sena workers and supporters for standing by him since the party’s launch in 2014 and said the party’s membership had crossed 21.5 lakh.
His remarks underlined both a reaffirmation of his alliance commitment and a clear message on the need for mutual cooperation among coalition partners in Andhra Pradesh’s political landscape.
