Addressing the media representatives, Janasena Chief Pawan Kalyan called for an AP Joint Action Committee similar to that of TJAC – Telangana Joint Action Committee. The recent press meet has gathered the immense attention from both the national and state media. The press meet began with Pawan Kalyan briefing about the reason behind Janasena extending its support to TDP-BJP alliance in 2014 elections.

Why I supported TDP-BJP?

‘As a common man, I believed that Modi would be doing justice once he comes to power, after seeing what UPA has done during its regime. I met Modi in Gujarat, and we discussed the problems for a brief while. Though the problems that are likely to arise after AP Bifurcation are not exactly at Modi’s disposal, they are to be perceived as Legacy problems. After BJP and TDP came to power in the Centre and the State respectively, I held myself for the 1st year.

When I took the responsibility on behalf of the Telugu people, I felt that I need to be more patient, and should be clear in my observations. Likewise, I was very happy after BJP announced 10 years Special Status to AP in its manifesto.

With time, the promises were pushed back behind the Centre and State politics and political leaders. I was patient for over 18 months, and it was high time that I had to react.

Special Package comes into play

After I started ‘Special Status’ agitation in Tirupathi and Kakinada, the Central government came up with the ‘Special Package’. At that, AP CM Chandrababu lauded the Central Government and BJP in particular. He opined that Special Package is far more beneficial that Special Status itself. But alter, the same CM flew to Delhi, with a 17-point draft, arguing that the state is being deprived of them.

I strongly believe, there is a lack of clarity and transparency, from both the Centre and the State. The Centre claims that it has released all the necessary funds as promised in the Special Package, and asks the state government to submit utilization certificates on how the funds were spent. Meanwhile, the TDP-led AP Government says, there is no need to submit the bills to the Centre.

Pawan proposes AP Joint Action Committee

I tried immensely to reach to an understanding about what the Centre fulfilled as a part of the Special Package. To my utter disappointment, I was never able to reach a conclusive position with the lack of sufficient information from both the ends.

Hence I put forth the proposal of AP Joint Action Committee headed by intellectuals like Undavalli Arun Kumar, and Lok Satta Jayaprakash Narayana, and others.

Similarly, every one of us is losing faith, trust and confidence in AP State Government. Despite lacking sufficient financial resources, an agency has declared that the state of Andhra Pradesh is highly corrupted. There is a need to know how much funds the State has received from the Centre, and where were they spent.

I regret not contesting in 2014 election polls!

I strongly believe that many aspects regarding the Special Package are being fabricated. All that I want is the people of the state to benefit. Today, I strongly regret my decision of not contesting in the 2014 election polls.

All the political leaders are making false claims, and deceiving the people with their promises. I started hearing the word ‘demographic dividend’ from many politicians in recent times. If they intend to do fool the people, they should be prepared to face the backlash. The whole things are nothing but a ticking time bomb according to me. There is no way we can achieve justice by holding some slogans and placards outside the parliament.

Janasena supports the strike (bandh) called out by oppositions

Talking about the statewide strike by opposition parties, I do extend my support, promising that the strike doesn’t lead to violence. We need to fight politically, and not with our fellow civilians. Janasena extends its support towards protesting against the Centre and State Government in a peaceful and civilized manner’.

Concluding

Janasena Chief Pawan Kalyan later answered the questions of various media personnel present at the press meet.