Kapu violence: Pawan Kalyan slams Chandrababu Naidu, cops

Hyderabad: While suspecting trained professionals from outside involved in the “methodical arson” at Tuni in East Godavari district, actor and Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan on Monday also blamed the Andhra Pradesh government and police machinery for not taking precautionary measures though previous caste movements like the Patels’ in Gujarat had turned violent.

Speaking to the media on Monday, the actor-politician said that the TD government had failed to create confidence among the Kapu community regarding implementation of reservations as had been assured in the election manifesto.

Expressing deep concern over the burning of the Ratnachal Express, Pawan Kalyan said, “There could be some antisocial elements behind the arson at Tuni. It is not possible to burn a train with a matchstick, it is also not possible by a worker; only organised antisocial elements can do such acts.”

He said that CM N. Chandrababu Naidu should have discussed the issue with Kapu leaders and explained the problems in implementation of reservations to the community.

He said if the state government and police officials would have taken precautionary measures Sunday’s incidents would not have taken place.

Avoid provocation, says Pawan
Pawan Kalyan said that to hold the audio release function of a movie the police asks several questions and takes precautionary measures, but when lakhs of people were gathering at the Kapu Mahagarjana meeting why did the police and the government not take any precautionary measures.

He said that the issue of reservations for Kapus had been going on for several decades and did not crop up in a day. All governments and parties had assured reservations to the community. He added that governments had the habit of not solving any issue fast and allowed it to reach critical stage. Requesting the leaders of Kapus not to make any provoking statements, Pawan said that they should have control over the agitation.