Decoding the Pavan Kalyan conundrum 

Pavan Kalyan’s sudden decision to hold a meeting at Tirupati in which he asked leaders from Andhra Pradesh not to surrender before the Centre in the name of special category status has put all political parties in a fix.

It has certainly irked the BJP most but at the same time it seems to have had an impact on the Congress party and the ruling TDP too. The situation is dicey because although they are put in an embarrassing situation, none of them can dare to criticise the Jana Sena leader given the sensitivity of the issue. In short, a reaction this easy or that way would have ramifications in the elections and adversely affect their political future.

Take for instance the mood in the TDP MP Kesineni Nani’s camp. His name was specifically taken by the actor while stating that some of the MPs like Nani may be rich but people were poor and hence Modi should look at the people and not the rich politicians. Nani and fellow-party leaders have swallowed the utterances albeit with a pinch of salt. All of them, including Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Sujana Chowdary tweeted saying that Pavan had echoed their feelings and what they have been saying for the past two years.

The only TDP leader to have made a moderately strong comment was Lok Sabha member J C Diwakar Reddy. While stating that AP would not get special category status unless god or goddess come into the dreams of Modi and direct him to accord special status to the State, the Anantpur strongman said Pavan has no understanding of the functioning of the parliamentary system. He felt that it was easy to rouse the passions of people and bring them on to the streets but that was no solution.

He also wanted Pavan to know that no political leader would appreciate the work done by another leader. The former Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy never appreciated the work done by Chandrababu Naidu and vice-versa. Similarly, Modi also so far has not praised any one for any good work done. He said he and other MPs were ready to resign if that can get the state special category status.

Referring to the comments made by Pavan that the MPs should not surrender but demand forcefully, he said he too can use certain words but then such a behavior would lead the state nowhere. Interestingly, the mildest reaction came from Congress party though Pavan had targeted them and held them responsible for the bifurcation of the State and pushing it into deep crisis.

All that they said was that Pavan should know that it was they who gave a push to the special category issue, which has now forced all parties to take up the cudgels. What is more is that the reaction did not come from the APCC president N Raghuveera Reddy. All that he said was the Congress was ready to extend support to Pavan if he takes up the agitation.

Political circles say that the Congress party had decided not to go aggressive in its attack against Pavan as their spirits were still running low. The party is now in for another shock as one of its powerful leaders Devineni Nehru is set to join TDP in next two days time along with his son Devineni Avinash.

The BJP, which was also at the receiving end, has decided to adopt a soft stand, at least for now. The party senior leader S Veeraraju, who is known for his harsh comments against Chandrababu Naidu, said that if Pavan thinks that he has powerful oratory skills, which according to the actor-turned-politician was lacking among the BJP and other leaders, then he would arrange a meeting with Modi and Pavan can talk to him and help get special status.

What the people should realize is that all parties are playing their own political games knowing well that special category status to AP is a mirage. Leaders of all political parties whether it be the ruling TDP-BJP combine or Congress know this for certain but no one wants to say so and face the wrath of the people.

By V RAMU SARMA