I know how to hit back at factionists, looters: Pawan Kalyan

YSR Congress Party president’s unsavoury remarks are the trigger

In a strong retort to some objectionable comments made on him by YSR Congress (YSRC) president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, Jana Sena Party (JSP) president Pawan Kalyan said on Wednesday he knew how to talk in a similar language but restrained himself lest his critics should run for cover. “If factionists and those looting the State can speak in that manner, how should I present myself? I might appear to be soft but those making below-the-belt remarks should not take me for granted. I know how to hit back,” he said.

‘Need for change’

Addressing a party workers’ meeting at Bhimavaram in West Godavari district during his Praja Poratam Yatra, Mr. Kalyan said it was because he was trying to bring a change in politics he was being targeted by the TDP, the YSRC and the BJP but he would be undeterred by their campaign.

He said his entry into politics was driven by his intention to give back to society for the love and affection earned by him as a film hero and those attributing ulterior motives would sooner or later realise that he was for ushering in a change in society and the way politics were practised.

“By working hard for five years, one can become Chief Minister but my objective is to bring about qualitative social transformation in the long run. That is why I have been saying I came to be in politics for 25 years over which period that positive change is likely to be visible.”

Later, addressing a gathering of the Aqua Traders’ Association, Mr. Pawan said his party was capable of taking on the factionist YSRC through sheer grit and determination to do good to society. He wondered how could Mr. Jagan pay ?300 crore as taxes in just two to three years compared to ?25 crore paid by him through hard work for 25 long years.

He said Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s comment that he was obsessed with his caste pained him and asked if that’s the case, why would he support the TDP during the 2014 elections.