Hyderabad: Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Jana Sena Party president Pawan Kalyan sought to clarify his recent comments on Telangana politics, saying his intention was to promote unity and not create regional divisions.
Speaking to the media after paying tributes to Potti Sreeramulu on his death anniversary, Pawan Kalyan said Telangana rightfully belonged to its people. He added that there was no dispute over the state’s identity or its sons of the soil.
At the same time, the Jana Sena chief maintained that no one should prevent people from entering Telangana or participating in political activities in the state.
Telangana politics and Jana Sena’s future plans
The party president also struck a conciliatory tone towards BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao (KTR). According to Pawan Kalyan, the two shared mutual respect and a brotherly relationship.
Responding to questions from reporters, the Jana Sena chief said he did not believe KTR had made any inappropriate remarks against him.
Pawan Kalyan observed that people in Telangana displayed a strong sense of state identity. In contrast, he said caste identities often overshadowed a broader sense of belonging in Andhra Pradesh.
According to the Jana Sena chief, Andhra Pradesh should cultivate a stronger collective identity among its people.
Rejecting allegations of promoting regionalism, he said geographical boundaries should not divide people. He also criticised attempts to create hostility between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
The Deputy Chief Minister urged political leaders to avoid rhetoric that could increase tensions between the two states.
On Jana Sena’s future plans, he clarified that the party’s expansion in Telangana would depend on local leadership. He questioned objections to local party leaders organising public meetings in the state.
Jana Sena had contested elections in Telangana earlier and would continue its political activities there, he said. He added that local leaders wanted the party to remain active in the state.
Pawan Kalyan said Jana Sena would continue to participate in Telangana politics and support local leaders in expanding the party’s presence. He maintained that his recent remarks came in response to concerns raised by party leaders in Telangana.