TDP or Mini BJP: Pawan Kalyan

Pawan Kalyan addressed a press conference today in Hyderabad reacting on the unsuccessful peaceful protest held yesterday in RK Beach, Vizag in fight for special status to Andhra Pradesh. This time he did not spare both State Government headed by Chandrababu Naidu and Central Government headed by Narendra Modi.

Here are the excerpts from the press meet:

- I supported BJP and TDP in 2014 elections because I thought the newly divided AP needs an experienced administration else it could prove troublesome for the common public. May it be note-for-vote scam or other issued in Andhra Pradesh, my reactions were calculated because every party does horse trading. Down by three years, now I find that both the Governments are stepping back on their promises. 

- If respected Modi sir focused on all important AP Special Status issue like that of Swarna Bharathi trust or Ram Mandir, our problem would have got solved long before. On compromising basis, both Naidu and Modi have betrayed Andhras. We are not slaves. Let them show how intense a revolt from slaves can be.   

- Can Naidu say one reason in public on why he stepped back on AP Special Status? As a person who supported him in 2014 elections, I am responsible to question him for a proper answer. I wonder why is he encouraging leaders like Sujana Chowdary and Rayapati?

- Jalli Kattu is not just an issue related to Tamil culture or tradition. It’s the deep rooted frustration among Tamilians against the interference of BJP into Tamil Nadu governance after the demise of Jayalalitha. This is a direct attack by BJP on Dravidian culture.

- We have elected Modi as PM because we expected a benevolent democracy but not a dictatorial democracy.

- From Pune University problem to Rohit Vemula issue to demonetization; Modi is using police power to communicate with people rather than policies. 

- Here in Andhra Pradesh, the administration is same. Why Naidu resorted to usage of police forces against peaceful protests by youth in Vizag yesterday? You manage media, professors and everyone using the political power.

- I’ve differentiated my opinion with my brother and family to lead a separate life. So, I do not mind parting the ways with you (Naidu and Modi), if you continue the same line of approach for the sake of people.

- My request to National media is please extend your coverage on critical issues and problems faced in South. We respect Hindi, please reciprocate and make our problems to have a wider reach.  

- Until and unless 1500 people gave up their lives for Telangana statehood, National media and National politicians never considered it as a burning subject. Please consider India as United Nation with no North and South divide.