Actor-turned-politician and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pavan Kalyan has landed himself in trouble over his comments on the sibling Telugu state of Telangana sparking protests in the neighbouring state.
While inspecting the damage caused to the coconut plantations in the Konaseema region of coastal Andhra Pradesh recently, Kalyan remarked that Telangana may have ‘cast an evil eye’ on the picturesque region.
Konaseema is a group of islands located between the tributaries of the Godavari river and Bay of Bengal. It is nicknamed "God's own creation" due to similarities with the Kerala backwaters. Recently, some parts of Konaseema suffered massive damage due to seawater intrusion from a drain.
The Deputy Chief Minister’s remark triggered sharp reaction from Telangana leaders. The State Cinematography Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy demanded an unconditional apology from the Jana Sena Party supremo for insulting the people of Telangana.
The Minister warned that Kalyan’s films would not be permitted for screening in the State if he failed to tender an apology. He reminded that during the period of combined Andhra Pradesh, the revenue generated from Hyderabad was diverted for the development of Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam and Tirupati in coastal Andhra region.
“It is not Telangana’s evil eye, in fact under Andhra leaders rule, our people had to drink fluoride-contaminated water for 60 years. Our water, funds and jobs were taken over by them,” he said at Gandhi Bhavan, the state Congress headquarters.
He said it was unfortunate that even 11 years after Telangana’s formation, leaders from AP continued to make such provocative comments, which had deeply hurt the people of the State.
“If Pavan Kalyan fails to tender an apology, none of his movies will be permitted to be screened here,” Venkat Reddy warned.
Earlier, the Congress MLA from Jadcherla J Anirudh Reddy, a self-confessed fan of the popular actor, also objected strongly to his insensitive comments and demanded that he withdraw them forthwith and apologise.
The Telangana Animal Husbandry Minister Vakati Srihari alleged that the Jana Sena chief was unable to digest the rapid development achieved by Telangana.
“These statements reflect political immaturity and are aimed purely at gaining political mileage,” he said, demanding that the actor should immediately withdraw his comments and apologise to the people of Telangana.
Also read: Pawan Kalyan to form panel for Uppada fishermen's woes
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