Telangana Belongs to Its Sons of Soil, Says Pawan Kalyan

Vijayawada: Telangana rightfully belongs to its sons of the soil and the youth who fought for its creation, Andhra Pradesh deputy chief minister and Jana Sena president K Pawan Kalyan stated here on Wednesday.

Responding to criticism against him from some Telangana leaders, Kalyan said his recent remarks were directed only at those who said he would not be allowed to enter Telangana. “My criticism should not be misconstrued as opposition to the state or its people,” he clarified.

“Telangana is undoubtedly the domain of its sons of the soil. The state is the achievement of its youth through a long struggle. I firmly believe so. My objection was only to those who said I would not be allowed into Telangana. My affection for Telangana and admiration for the struggles of its youth will never diminish,” he said.

Pawan Kalyan paid floral tributes to the 58-foot bronze statue of Potti Sriramulu along with civil supplies minister and Jana Sena PAC chairman Nadendla Manohar and members of the newly formed committee at Sakhamuru in Amaravati.

Addressing the media, Kalyan announced the formation of ‘Sena Galam’, a special committee comprising representatives from various social groups to raise a united voice against caste-based hatred and social divisions.

On the controversy surrounding his proposed public meeting in Telangana, Pawan Kalyan said he had plans to hold a meeting in the state after 12 years but unnecessary obstacles were created.

“I do not think Chief Minister Revanth Reddy was behind this row. Certain individuals acting in between are behind this criticism,” he said.

Pawan also cautioned political parties against fuelling regional sentiments, saying national parties should uphold the spirit of national integration rather than encourage divisive rhetoric. “The future of the country lies in unity, social harmony and mutual cooperation among communities,” he said.

The deputy CM said political discourse in Andhra Pradesh has increasingly been dominated by caste abuse and attempts to attribute the mistakes of individuals to entire communities. “If an individual commits a crime, only that person should be held accountable. Blaming an entire caste creates social discord and weakens society,” he observed.