Jana Sena Party (JSP) chief K. Pawan Kalyan has emphasized the need for a revival of the 2014 alliance between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Jana Sena Party (JSP), and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) to effectively challenge the incumbent Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Jagan Mohan Reddy, and his party, the YSR Congress.
In an exclusive interview with The Hindu, Pawan Kalyan stated that his primary objective is to see Reddy ousted from power, but any discussions regarding alliances should be handled by the top leadership of the BJP and TDP. He acknowledged potential ideological differences but believes such concerns could be reconciled “for a larger good.” He also noted that he has previously expressed his views to BJP leaders on issues like Special Category Status for Andhra Pradesh and the privatization of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, indicating that he received a patient hearing from Prime Minister Modi and Amit Shah.
Pawan Kalyan asserted that the decision to form an alliance would significantly impact the political landscape, suggesting that if the leadership opts against it, it could benefit the YSR Congress for another five years, further hindering the State’s progress.
He raised concerns about rampant corruption in Andhra Pradesh, linking it to mining operations and liquor sales. “The basic idea of three capitals is to increase land prices in Visakhapatnam and Kurnool,” he alleged, claiming the ruling party has appropriated large amounts of land, with instances of over 30,000 acres acquired on the outskirts of Visakhapatnam and Anakapalli districts. He expressed that illicit financial practices in sectors like sand and gravel mining are depriving the state’s revenue.
Pawan Kalyan reiterated that his entrance into politics stems from a desire to combat corruption and bridge the gap between the affluent and the impoverished. He emphasized that his motivation is rooted in social justice rather than political ambition, having declined offers for political positions like a Rajya Sabha membership. “I am here to stay, and JSP is not just a political party; it is an institution,” he stated.
He criticized the current administration’s welfare schemes, labeling them as misleading, claiming they largely originate from the central government. Pawan Kalyan drew parallels between the political culture under the late Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy in unified Andhra Pradesh and the current situation, arguing that the government operates like a real estate business.
While acknowledging his party’s current lack of robust middle-level leadership, he stated the need for a strategic alliance to prevent vote splitting and expressed his commitment to developing future leaders within the JSP. Moreover, he recognized that alignment between grassroots workers of BJP and JSP requires improvement and mentioned joint efforts against the diversion of Central funds for local governance.
Taking aim at the volunteer system established under Reddy’s government, he claimed it dismantled the previous Mee Seva system, rendering many jobless in favor of a network that serves government interests. He criticized the system for using untrained volunteers to collect sensitive data, which, he alleged, is being utilized to manipulate voting patterns.
Pawan Kalyan condemned the growing issues of casteism and regionalism under the YSR Congress government, clarifying his stance against being labeled a Kapu leader. He pointed out that during the 2019 elections, his vote share included a significant portion from non-Kapu voters, emphasizing his commitment as a leader for the masses, devoid of caste affiliations.
On his electoral strategy, he highlighted his focus on unemployment, corruption, women’s safety, and overall development. He expressed hope that his Varahi Yatra would bring about the change the citizens of the State are anticipating.
