Pawan Seeks Bigger Share for Jana Sena in Local Body Polls
Says the Chief Minister will have to work out a fresh formula for the local body polls, rather than applying a pro-rata calculation based on the 21 seats of the JS in the assembly.
Vijayawada:Deputy Chief Minister and Jana Sena Party (JSP) president K. Pawan Kalyan on Thursday signalled that the 21-seat formula followed by the NDA alliance in the 2024 assembly elections would not be the basis for seat-sharing in the forthcoming local body polls.
He announced that Jana Sena will adopt a region-specific strategy for the upcoming elections and contest more seats based on local political and social equations.
Pawan Kalyan clarified that JSP had restricted itself to 21 assembly seats in 2024 only to end the “authoritarian rule” of the previous government. That strategy will remain confined to the general elections.
The Jana Sena supremo’s remarks indicate that Telugu Desam president and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu will have to work out a fresh formula for the local body polls, rather than applying a pro-rata calculation based on the 21 seats of the JS in the assembly.
Addressing the Jana Sena Legislature Party on the premises of the State Legislative Assembly, Pawan Kalyan directed JS MLAs to assess the party’s strength beyond their own constituencies, identify seats where it could effectively contest, and submit reports to the central office.
The JS chief announced a special nine to 11-member committee of MLAs and senior leaders to formulate the party’s strategy for the local elections, taking the feedback from grassroots into account.
Recalling the 2021 local elections, Pawan Kalyan said Jana Sena cadres had stood their ground despite the previous government’s attacks, pressures, and attempts to prevent filing of nominations by JS candidates. He asked party members to project the same fighting spirit and self-respect during the forthcoming local body polls.
Jana Sena MLAs flagged resentment among cadres in areas where JS has no legislator. They complained that coalition dharma is not being followed at some places. Pawan Kalyan responded that these concerns have come to his notice. He assured that views of the cadres would be considered and better political opportunities provided to them for strengthening the party.
Sources said the Deputy CM will be unavailable for a few weeks, as he is proceeding to Kerala for 20 days to undergo natural treatment for his recurring health issues as well as the shoulder surgery. Apart from physiotherapy, he will undergo the Ayurveda Pancha Karma and detox treatments.
