The latest statement made by Jana Sena Party president and Andhra Pradesh deputy chief minister Pawan Kalyan that he had not come into politics for any posts or power has reportedly disappointed most of his party leaders and cadre.
Obviously, Pawan Kalyan has been under tremendous pressure from his supporters and cadre, who have been taking to social media to send a message that he should take a leaf out of actor and Tamil Nadu chief minister C Joseph Vijay’s book and emulate him in capturing power in Andhra Pradesh.
Pawan Kalyan said such comparisons with the neighbouring states are superficial and disconnected from political realities.
He said many supporters had recently sent him messages suggesting that he too should have quickly become chief minister like certain leaders in neighbouring states.
Comparing such reactions to the excitement seen during village weddings, he remarked that many people speak emotionally without understanding the complexities involved in building a political movement.
Recalling Jana Sena’s electoral struggles, Pawan Kalyan pointed out that when he contested independently from two assembly constituencies, he suffered defeat, which he said reflected the harsh realities of politics.
He urged supporters not to make simplistic comparisons with leaders from other states.
The Jana Sena chief said that if his sole objective had been power or positions, he could have contested as a Member of Parliament as early as 2009 instead of limiting himself to youth mobilisation activities.
He pointed out that during the 2014 general elections there had been plans for him to contest from the Malkajgiri Lok Sabha constituency on behalf of NDA. But he chose to focus on building his party.
Ironically, Pawan Kalyan said he believed in the long-term nature of political success, citing the examples ranging from communist movements to the political journey of Kanshi Ram, saying many leaders and movements endured years of struggle before achieving recognition and power.
Reflecting on his own political journey since 2007, he said he continued moving forward without certainty about victory or defeat.
Despite criticism, setbacks, and several associates abandoning him politically over the years, Pawan Kalyan asserted that he had succeeded in strengthening and sustaining the Jana Sena Party through persistence and sacrifice.
A Jana Sena Party leader said he was not convinced of Pawan Kalyan’s arguments.
“We have been supporting him because he has the ability to attract the people and he will become an independent political force in Andhra Pradesh. He has the potential to become the chief minister, but he seems to be satisfied with his present Dy CM position,” he said.
An analyst pointed out that Pawan Kalyan has already lost his charm as an actor as all his recent films have been disasters at the box office.
“He is unlikely to do any more films in the coming years. By that time, people will forget him as an actor and see him as a politician without any purpose. If he doesn’t grow as an independent force, he will fade out as a politician too,” he said.
