Pawan Kalyan warns critics over Telangana threats
HYDERABAD: Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Jana Sena Party chief Pawan Kalyan said his affection for Telangana goes beyond politics and asserted that he would not be intimidated by threats over his presence in Hyderabad.
Speaking at a media conference at his residence in Jubilee Hills on Telangana Formation Day, Pawan extended greetings to the people of the state and said Telangana residents had supported him on several occasions.
Pawan questions those issuing threats
Referring to recent criticism, Pawan said some people had questioned why he was entering Hyderabad and what work he had in Telangana.
“Who are you to threaten me? Is Telangana anyone’s personal estate? Should I be afraid because you speak as you wish? Some are threatening attacks on me. That is why I held this press conference at my residence so that everyone knows my address,” he said.
Pawan said he had faced more threats in Andhra Pradesh than in Telangana. He added that he wanted Telangana’s youth to receive better opportunities and recalled that Telangana people had supported him when political restrictions were imposed on him in Andhra Pradesh.
“We established Jana Sena in the heart of Telangana. The people of Telangana have stood by me for many years,” he said.
Says he seeks change, not power
Pawan said Jana Sena leaders had repeatedly urged him to strengthen the party in Telangana. However, he maintained that he was not driven by a desire for power.
“I did not seek power even in Andhra Pradesh. Why would I seek power in Telangana? I do not love power; I love change,” he said.
He said Telangana people did not harbour hatred towards Andhra Pradesh and argued that if such hostility existed, people from Andhra Pradesh would not have been able to live in Telangana.
Pawan also said he had travelled extensively across Telangana, including remote areas such as the forests of Adilabad.
Defends stand on Telangana and criticism
Pawan said he was not opposed to Telangana but had objected to the manner in which the state was bifurcated.
“I opposed the way Parliament was closed and the state was divided. I wanted a socially inclusive Telangana,” he said.
He stated that he had never spoken against any Telangana leader and had avoided provoking tensions despite criticism directed at him.
Referring to the late balladeer Gaddar, Pawan said he had supported him when he was alive and questioned what his current critics had done for him.
He also said a controversy had started because of comments made by a political analyst. According to Pawan, he later asked that legal cases against the analyst be withdrawn.
“Are people from Andhra Pradesh responsible for every problem in Telangana?” he asked.
Challenges land encroachment allegations
Responding to allegations that he had encroached upon a lake bed, Pawan challenged the accusations and addressed Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy directly.
“If it is proved that I occupied government land, take it over,” he said.
Pawan noted that Hyderabad had served as the common capital of Telugu-speaking people for decades and said those responsible for injustices against Telangana should be criticised, not ordinary citizens.
“Rulers are different from people. Criticise the rulers, not the people,” he said.
He also questioned whether permission would be denied even for a public meeting involving 2,000 people.
Jana Sena will contest in Telangana
Pawan said Jana Sena would remain active in Telangana and indicated that the party would contest elections in the state.
“Since you are asking, I will say it clearly. Jana Sena will be in Telangana. We will contest here. If necessary, I will personally travel across Telangana. We will speak on every issue and oppose every injustice,” he said.
He added that Telangana was an integral part of India and insisted that threats would not deter him from political activity in the state.
