Hyderabad, March 14 (IANS) One and a half months before elections, politics in Andhra Pradesh took a new turn Friday with Telugu film actor Pawan Kalyan floating a new political party, the Jana Sena.
Pawan, younger brother of central minister and Congress leader K. Chiranjeevi, said his party may or may not contest the coming elections.
Addressing thousands of his fans here, he gave a call - "Congress hatao desh bachao (Remove the Congress, save the nation)" - on behalf of Telugu people to the nation, saying they were hurt by the manner in which the party divided the state.
Stating that he is ready to join hands with any party except Congress, the actor said he would strive to bring stability in both Telangana and Seemandhra.
Amid thunderous cheers by his fans, the popular actor vowed to do politics of principle to bring a change in the society.
In his two-hour-long speech punched with powerful dialogues in a filmi style, Pawan was harsh on his criticism of Congress and also targeted Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) leaders for whipping up regional feelings among people.
Claiming that he is inspired by freedom fighter Bhagat Singh, the actor said he was ready to sacrifice his life to achieve his objective to end injustice, inequality and corruption.
Accusing Congress leadership of endangering the national integrity, Pawan said his party would be above religion, region and caste.
Pawan, known for his young angry man image in the films, said Jana Sena would fight for a system where law will equally apply to all. He also promised to ensure women's safety and affordable healthcare to people.
Addressing fans at Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC), he made it clear that it will be a long battle and that the party will have as its leaders people with integrity.
"I never imagined that I will have to stand against my god-like elder brother," said Pawan referring to actor-turned-politician Chiranjeevi. He also clarified that he is not angry with his brother as he can't be blamed for what Congress leadership has done.
Pawan also came down heavily on Congress leader Jairam Ramesh for "insulting" Chiranjeevi over his speech in Parliament.
Popular as a "power star" among his supporters, he had campaigned in 2009 elections for Praja Rajyam Party (PRP), which Chiranjeevi has launched a few months before the polls. Pawan, who was heading the youth wing of PRP, fell out with Chiranjeevi when he merged the party with Congress in 2010.
He warned parties trying to divide people, saying they would get befitting reply. He threatened to expose TRS leaders on how they made money in the name of separate Telangana state.
Pawan dared Congress president Sonia Gandhi and vice president Rahul Gandhi to visit Seemandhra and vowed to ensure that Congress does not win a single seat in the region.
Narrating incidents from his student days, Pawan said he always felt frustrated over not being able to do anything for the society. He revealed that at one stage he had even thought of committing suicide.
"I am not in politics to become MP, MLA, minister or chief minister. This is very small thing before your love and affection," he told his fans.
In a speech televised live at 28 centres across the state, Pawan threatened to expose those targeting his personal life. "If you try to drag my personal life, I will make sure that your personal life is exposed before people. I will even use social network sites and YouTube," he said.
Air India-Vistara Merger: Air India and Vistara Airlines will be merged. The board of directors o
School will not open a month yet, 10th results will be released by May 20
Haryana Education Minister Kanwarpal Gurjar has said that even though the lockdown waiver starts
UP Lawyer Killed in Shahjahanpur: A major incident has been seen in the Shahjahanpur district of
China COVID Outbreak: Omicron's BA.5.2 and BF.7 sub-variants wreaking havoc in China: WHO
The World Health Organization (WHO) informed on Wednesday that according to data released by Chin
Peace talks are going on in Istanbul, Turkey to try to stop the war between Ukraine and Russia, b
Corona is again wreaking havoc in all the countries of the world including China. Since the begin
Home Minister Amit Shah has thrashed the opposition's allegations against the Waqf Amendment Bill
Devotees from the country and abroad arriving at Prayagraj Maha Kumbh are also flocking to other
Corona havoc in Chinese extended lockdown in Chengdu; Know- what is the status of India
Coronavirus infection originated in China and has not yet come out of the grip of this epidemic.
Complaints of mobile phones being stolen have been pouring in from the crowded concert of singer
