Political Gain Over Public Pain? Pawan Kalyan’s Quiet Stance Criticized

Any political party must stand by the people—whether it is in power or in the opposition. But in Andhra Pradesh, the ruling alliance parties are showing no concern, especially regarding the farmers, despite being given a huge majority by the people in the recent elections. Since the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), which is the main partner in the alliance, is making the decisions, leaders and cadre of that party are remaining silent. However, some TDP supporters are severely criticizing the government’s stance on social media. On the other hand, Jana Sena chief and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, another major partner in the alliance, is also remaining silent and continuing with his own work. While on one side, tenant farmers, and on the other, farmers affected by the Amaravati expansion project are opposing the government's decisions, discussions are ongoing that Pawan Kalyan seems to be ignoring all of it.

Right now, he is immersed in the release works of his movie Hari Hara Veera Mallu, and in completing films like OG and Ustaad Bhagat Singh. He is facing criticism that he is now walking the same path as Chandrababu Naidu. It is being said that his behavior has completely changed after coming to power compared to when he was in the opposition. For example, Nara Lokesh, who earlier called Indo Solar Company a fake entity while in the opposition, is now remaining silent even though 8,234 acres are being allocated to the same company. Moreover, the coalition government is reportedly working very hard for this company. This is the same Pawan Kalyan who, while in the opposition, questioned why 33,000 acres were needed for the capital city and warned that forcibly acquiring land from farmers would not be tolerated. Now, even though the Chandrababu-led coalition government is once again trying to forcibly acquire land from farmers under the pretext of Amaravati expansion and for the Indo Solar project, Pawan Kalyan remains silent.

Though some farmers are willing to give land under the pooling system for the Amaravati expansion project, there are just as many who oppose it. Some are even questioning what their fate would be if Jagan comes back to power. There is a lingering sentiment that the newly divided state must have a proper capital city, especially regarding the core capital area. However, in the case of the expansion project, such sentiment seems to be lacking. It is particularly strange that, after already acquiring 33,000 acres for the original capital, the cabinet has now approved the acquisition of another 42,000 acres for the expansion project. Pawan Kalyan, who earlier stood by Amaravati farmers and spoke out, is now completely silent on the issue. Comments are being heard even from within his own party that he might have decided that standing beside Chandrababu will bring more benefit than standing beside farmers. That is why, even regarding matters happening within the government, he is acting as if he knows nothing, say party leaders. The BJP, another alliance partner in the coalition, hasn’t spoken up on any issue so far either.