New Delhi: Is Prime Minister-designate Narendra Modi planning to reward Telugu superstar Pawan Kalyan with a Rajya Sabha berth for his contribution to the victory of the TD and BJP in the Lok Sabha elections in Andhra Pradesh?
Speculation is rife in political circles in the national capital that Mr Modi and the BJP will show their gratitude by sending him to the Upper House on a BJP ticket.
Pawan Kalyan, the brother of actor-Congress MP K. Chiranjeevi, launched the Jana Sena, on the eve of the elections, but opted out of the contest on the request of Mr Modi and TD chief N. Chandrababu Naidu.
But he campaigned extensively for the alliance and addressed joint rallies in Telangana and Seemandhra.
The actor’s campaign brought in the support of the influential Kapu community to which he belongs. The Kapus have a vote share of around 18 per cent in Andhra Pradesh. If not from AP, he could be brought to the Rajya Sabha from Karnataka where polls to four seats will be held next month.
Mr Modi acknowledged Pawan’s role when he tweeted on May 17: “I want to express my gratitude to Pawan Kalyan Garu for his enthusiasm & support through the campaign across Andhra Pradesh.” He also invited the actor to the NDA meeting in Delhi on Tuesday and appreciated his efforts yet again.
