Two new parties are likely to emerge in the newly bifurcated Andhra Pradesh. One of course is the party being floated by ex CM Kiran Kumar Reddy and another is the party that Power Star Pawan Kalyan is likely to announce shortly.
A triangular battle is already on in Seemandhra and the people don’t seem to be in a mood to worship a new demi-god nor vote for a new party. So what is the raison d’etre for new political parties.
While Kiran Kumar Reddy claims it’s for self respect, Pawan’s agenda is believed to enable to question.
In Kiran’s case, it would be easier for him to join the TDP as they always harped on self respect clause. In Pawan’s case, he can join hands with the Aam Aadmi Party which raised a similar slogan.
If we put aside Kiran’s party for a while, let’s look at the reasons behind an introvert and virtual recluse Pawan Kalyan contemplating politics. While we will come to some key points later, let’s begin with the strong rumour that is doing rounds ever since Pawan decided to hold a press conference.
Well, to cut a long story short, it is said that it is all part of a larger strategy of the Telugu Desam Party, which is luring an allegedly broke Pawan Kalyan to put on a four-month show. And yes, the bait is said to be the Rs 500-crore deal. It is no big deal for the party if it results in power and it is surely not a little amount for the power star who is said to be selling his properties to keep going.
According to gossip in film and political circles, Pawan is said to be making his political entry only for money and solely for the benefit of TDP.
Though he is by and large reckoned as a sensitive, socially-aware and straight forward person, there are quite a few glitches in his story.
For starters, he made many forceful statements in the past like disrobing the Congress leaders, baring the culprits who leaked his film Attarintiki Daaredi before its release, etc. But in reality, he did nothing about them later. Similarly, he tied the knot in haste with his second wife during the formation of Praja Rajyam party, but later left her for unknown reasons. He also claimed at that time that he was giving away his wealth to an NGO. But there is no lead on that matter.
Also, it is said that Pawan Kalyan is the laziest star in tinsel ville. He is said to shoot as per his mood and is said to enjoy reading and tending his garden during his leisure time. Now both the traits are totally anti-politics and surely do not make a promising politician.
Then why is the mad rush to make a demi-god out of him? Wasn’t it proven right from the time of NTR to Chiranjeevi that people are not mesmerized by the charisma of film stars? Then why Pawan Kalyan?
Earlier, there were rumours that TV media and Ramoji Rao were trying to influence Pawan to float a party. Then it was said that he would be joining TDP. When AAP came to power in Delhi, it was said that Pawan might be joining the party. Meanwhile, Lok Satta claimed that they would welcome him with open arms.
The reason is said to be caste equations. Already, Seemandhra will have a clear divide between the Kamma and Reddy communities. That leaves 21 per cent Kapu vote bank. However, the million dollar question is, the Kapu community did not vote for Chiranjeevi, so will it vote for Pawan?
Fearing Jagan’s popularity and the fact that he could be the alternative option that people might consider while voting, TDP tried a small experiment recently. It staged two Kapu candidates who were backed by the Kamma community. Incidentally, both the candidates won. So this has instigated the top tier in TDP to try out a similar experiment on a larger scale.
But if we look at the poll history of Andhra Pradesh, they have always defied the survey outcomes. First, a leader has to win their confidence, only then do the caste equations and filmi glamour come into play. It’s simple logic. Yet, the political parties clamour to win over them with new parties and new demi-gods!