Raghu Rama Defends DSP, Counters Pawan Kalyan’s Charges

It has almost become common that whenever Jana Sena chief and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan intervenes in matters related to the Home Department, it stirs up a major controversy. In the past too, he had faced severe criticism after publicly warning during a meeting that if things continued in a certain way, he might have to take over the Home Department himself. What’s interesting is that questions are now being raised as to why he seems to have issues only with the Home Department and not with any other portfolios. This has also sparked doubts about whether he is responding selectively to certain matters on purpose.

Recently, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan reportedly expressed anger over the conduct of Bhimavaram DSP Jayasurya in West Godavari district. His office officially confirmed this. Pawan is said to have been upset by allegations that the DSP was interfering in gambling clubs and even in civil disputes. He discussed the matter with the district SP and directed that a detailed report be submitted. Reports suggest that Pawan Kalyan has instructed his personal staff to forward the report to the Home Minister and the DGP. This development triggered a huge political storm, prompting Deputy Speaker Raghu Ramakrishna Raju to make sensational comments on the issue. He stated that, to his knowledge, Bhimavaram DSP Jayaraju is a good officer with a solid track record. He added that it’s good for Pawan Kalyan to involve himself not only in his own department but also in the functioning of other departments.

At the same time, Raghu Ramakrishna Raju pointed out that as per a Supreme Court judgment, playing 13-card rummy is not considered a crime. However, he clarified that he was not supporting gambling and that strict action had recently been taken against gambling clubs. He suggested that perhaps due to this crackdown, some individuals might have filed complaints against the DSP. Meanwhile, political circles are abuzz with speculation that internal disputes over postings might have led to the issue coming to light. Another key point is that Home Minister Anitha recently stated that her department already has a report regarding the Bhimavaram DSP. If what both Home Minister Anitha and Pawan Kalyan said is true, then a big question arises — why were no actions taken earlier despite having the report? TDP MLAs are now expressing concern that if the government takes action only after Pawan Kalyan brought the issue out in the open, it could damage the government’s reputation.