Jana Sena Party chief and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan has launched a sharp attack on Congress leaders in Telangana amid a row over his proposed public engagement in Hyderabad. The controversy erupted after Telangana Police denied permission for the Telangana Nava Nirman Sabha planned by Jana Sena, prompting the party to approach the Telangana High Court, which also did not grant relief. Subsequently, Pawan Kalyan announced that he would address the media from his residence in Jubilee Hills.
Pawan Kalyan Questions Congress Leaders
Responding to criticism from Congress MLC Addanki Dayakar, Pawan Kalyan questioned the objections raised against his presence in Hyderabad. He accused some Congress leaders of behaving like “separatists” and demanded that the national Congress leadership, particularly Rahul Gandhi, respond to his queries. “Saying ‘I Love Pakistan’ is okay for you? But raising questions about national integrity is not?” he remarked, highlighting what he perceives as double standards.
Call for Freedom of Movement
Pawan Kalyan emphasized that people across India should be able to move freely without discrimination. He stressed that as a citizen and a public representative, he has every right to engage with people in any part of the country. The Jana Sena chief urged the Congress party to clarify its stance on such issues and warned against regional biases that could harm national unity.
Political Reactions and Implications
The incident has sparked a political debate in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, with both parties exchanging barbs. While Congress leaders have defended the police action citing law and order concerns, Jana Sena supporters see it as an attempt to stifle political dissent. The matter is likely to escalate further as Pawan Kalyan continues to challenge the denial of permission and seeks a response from the Congress high command.
