Pawan Kalyan Vs Kiran Kumar Reddy

Ever since former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Kiran Kumar Reddy started publicly defying Congress High Command's decision to divide the state, many thought he was acting at the behest of his party's top leadership. However, Kiran silenced his critics when he announced his resignation from not just his CM post but also from the Congress party.

Thereafter the focus shifted to Kiran's new party. In the meantime, Kiran was hailed as the true Seemandhra hero (after Lagadapati of course! Remember he was compared to Bhagat Singh after his pepper spray incident?). While political observers waited with bated breath to hear of Kiran's future course of action, Tollywood's power star Pawan Kalyan springs a surprise by sending a press note announcing his entry into politics. Even though there had been strong rumours on Pawan's political entry, the press note did shock a few.

Now, the question is between the two (Kiran and Pawan), who will have a better chance of surviving the political battle?

1. Political observers feel Kiran Reddy will have an upper hand in Seemandhra as he's created an image of being a staunch Samaikyandhra supporter. On the other hand, Pawan may lose out in both Seemandhra and Telangana as his brother Chiranjeevi maintained a neutral stand on the issue till the time the CWC announced its decision to carve Telangana out of Andhra Pradesh.

2. Mega fans are divided on Pawan's political entry. The common sentiment is that Pawan should have stuck to movies and backed his brother in politics, feel mega fans. While some others believe Pawan's political entry will be a fitting reply to Chiranjeevi for merging his party (PRP) with Congress. Kiran has no such problems.

3. Kiran's Samaikyandhra sentiment may earn him a few votes at least in the Seemandhra region.

If Pawan does take the plunge into politics, it remains to be seen who will be the winner. Let's wait till March 14, the day Pawan will reveal his political ambitions.