Chandrababu defends PK

Slams Telangana leaders

Comments made against Pawan Kalyan reflected a poor political approach and warned that such statements could unnecessarily trigger tensions between Telugu-speaking people

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday strongly condemned the criticism directed at Deputy Chief Minister and Jana Sena Party president Pawan Kalyan by certain political leaders in Telangana, asserting that attempts to create regional divisions more than a decade after the bifurcation of the state were unacceptable.

Speaking to the media, Chandrababu said the comments made against Pawan Kalyan reflected a poor political approach and warned that such statements could unnecessarily trigger tensions between Telugu-speaking people.

“Making such remarks against Pawan Kalyan is not a good practice. Leaders should not create problems where none exist. It has been 12 years since the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. We have moved forward as two separate states. Some leaders in Telangana cannot now try to reignite regional hostility through irresponsible comments,” the Chief Minister said.

Chandrababu emphasized that people are well aware of the contributions made by leaders to different regions and do not need political lectures aimed at creating divisions. He expressed disappointment that certain Telangana politicians were raising issues that have little relevance to public welfare or development.

Drawing comparisons with national politics, Chandrababu noted that leaders frequently campaign across state boundaries in a healthy democratic environment. He pointed out that he had recently campaigned in Tamil Nadu and that leaders from Karnataka and several other states had also participated in elections there. He specifically cited Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s campaign activities in Tamil Nadu as an example of normal democratic engagement.

The Chief Minister also highlighted what he described as a contradiction in the criticism coming from Telangana. He recalled that the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) had projected itself as a national party and attempted to expand into Andhra Pradesh and other states.

“If political parties can expand beyond their home states and seek support elsewhere, why should anyone object to leaders working for people across regions?” he asked.

Chandrababu further stressed that Telugu people have risen to prominent constitutional and administrative positions across the world, including in the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom. Regardless of where they live, he said, they serve according to the laws and constitutions of those regions.

Concluding on a firm note, the Chief Minister urged political parties to compete in governance, development and public service rather than indulge in divisive rhetoric.

“Leaders should compete in delivering development and better public services. That is what people expect. Politics should unite people through progress, not divide them through unnecessary controversies,” Chandrababu said.