Not a mere filibuster

From Tirupati to Kakinada, there is a clear change in the tone and tenor of Pawan Kalyan’s battle cry. Laying to rest all the speculation that Pawan Kalyan may be BJP’s trump card, the actor-politician declared a no-holds-barred battle on it. His mockery of ‘Achhe Din (happy days)’ promise is a clear sign of his intentions to reject speculations over his possible relationship with the BJP. Politics are increasingly driven by some or other sentiment.

The politics of Telangana drew altogether new contours due to a strong sentiment for separate state. Even Chandrababu Naidu could register a remarkable comeback, thanks to the sentiment of a wounded soldier who urgently needs Centre’s assistance to recover.

Treading the proven path to political success, Pawan Kalyan in no unequivocal terms tried to stir Seemandhra pride, and quite interestingly South Indian sentiment through his tirade against the political leadership of the North.

Though soft in his attack, Pawan chose not to spare TDP, too. His description of TDP rule riddled with several errors qualifies this analysis. However, he may be right in his strategy not to severely talk down TDP. The TDP still seems to be continuing its fight for special status. The discontent against Naidu dispensation is yet to crystallise. That may be the reason for primarily targeting BJP central leadership.

Pawan Kalyan seems to be toying with the idea of forging a third alternative in Andhra Pradesh politics. In fact, he has no other choice. He cannot sail with BJP as it is being portrayed and perceived to be the villain of post-bifurcation injustice meted out to Andhra Pradesh.

He cannot play a second fiddle to either Chandrababu Naidu or YS Jaganmohan Reddy. He cannot align with Congress which the people of Seemandhra are still not ready to forgive. His praise for CPI (M) and his expression of intentions of working with the Left further strengthens the Third Front conjecture.

The Gabbar Singh is cautious in balancing his political and professional interests. He said he would continue to act, much to the desire of his massive fan following. While taking a strident Seemandhra position and clearly identifying himself as a son of soil in that region, Pawan took extra care not to antagonise the people of Telangana where his films continue to enjoy impressive viewership.

Still critics may call him a Trojan horse to divide the anti-incumbency vote. But, his Kakinada message gives an impression that Jana Sena chief is serious about his political episode. He will certainly be giving more call sheets to his political opera.

Undeniably, Pawan Kalyan is foremost among the popular film stars. He has a political legacy. He has smartly but subtly stayed clear of the Praja Rajyam fiasco. Now, it is clear. Jana Sena will be a political player in the run-up to 2019.

Whether or not he can be a force to reckon with depends on a host of factors, primarily on how far the N Chandrababu Naidu government incurs anti-incumbency. Will the principal opposition YSR Congress be able to fire enough ammunition? For now at least, none can dismiss Pawan’s battle cry as a mere filibuster.

Also Read:

Pawan delivers special power punch

Naidu sees truth in Pawan’s outburst

A brazen betrayal of AP people