AP Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan Clarifies Telangana Remarks in Hyderabad
On Wednesday, June 3, 2026, Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Jana Sena Party president Pawan Kalyan addressed the media in Hyderabad to clarify his recent controversial remarks, stating that his intention was to promote regional unity rather than fuel divisions. Facing criticism over his statements regarding Telangana, Kalyan defended his position and emphasized that his party's activities aim to foster a sense of togetherness.
Kalyan spoke to reporters in the city after paying tributes to Potti Sreeramulu on his death anniversary. He asserted that Telangana rightfully belongs to its people and acknowledged that there is no dispute over the State being the domain of its "sons of the soil." However, he maintained that no individual should be barred from entering Telangana or participating in political activities there.
Addressing his relationship with Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president KT Rama Rao, Kalyan adopted a conciliatory tone. He described their relationship as brotherly and marked by mutual respect, adding that he did not believe the BRS leader had spoken inappropriately about him.
Kalyan compared the political cultures of the two Telugu states, observing that while people in Telangana display a strong emotional attachment to their state, caste identities often overshadow statehood in Andhra Pradesh. He suggested that Andhra Pradesh needs to cultivate a stronger collective identity and sense of belonging among its citizens.
The Deputy Chief Minister rejected accusations of promoting regional divisions, stating that territorial boundaries should not divide people. He criticized attempts by certain Telangana Ministers to generate hostility between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, urging political leaders to avoid rhetoric that could deepen regional tensions.
Regarding the Jana Sena Party's future in Telangana, Kalyan clarified that any expansion would be driven by local leadership. He defended the party's right to operate across state lines, questioning why anyone should object to local party leaders holding public meetings in Telangana.
He explained that although he had previously shut down the Telangana office, local leaders requested that the party continue its operations in the state. Kalyan noted that his party has contested elections in Telangana in the past and will continue to do so, explaining that he only spoke in the state at the request of his party's local leaders after his presence was questioned.
