Hyderabad: Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar strongly criticised Jana Sena chief and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan over his recent Telangana remarks.
Speaking at Gandhi Bhavan on Tuesday, Ponnam Prabhakar responded to Pawan Kalyan’s question about Telangana’s ownership and accused him of making politically motivated statements.
The minister said Telangana was achieved through the sacrifices and struggles of its people. He also alleged that Pawan Kalyan was speaking about the state with unnecessary arrogance.
Ponnam Prabhakar recalled that the Jana Sena leader had previously acknowledged limitations in his political influence in Andhra Pradesh.
He also questioned Pawan Kalyan’s call for the “Reconstruction of Telangana.” According to the minister, Telangana has already achieved significant progress since its formation.
Telangana remarks trigger political war of words
Ponnam Prabhakar said the people of Telangana wanted the Telugu-speaking states to remain united in spirit despite geographical separation.
He dismissed Pawan Kalyan’s political interventions as an attempt to gain attention in Telangana politics.
The minister further alleged that the Jana Sena chief was acting on behalf of other political parties.
At the same time, Ponnam Prabhakar clarified that the government had no objection to Pawan Kalyan visiting Telangana.
However, he warned against attempts to create communal or regional divisions through public meetings organised under the banner of “Navanirmanam.”
The minister said Telangana has always welcomed people from Andhra Pradesh in a democratic and inclusive manner.
He also questioned whether Pawan Kalyan had ever supported the Telangana movement or expressed solidarity with those who sacrificed their lives for statehood.