The recent statements by Jana Sena Party president and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, in which he praised Telugu Desam Party president and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and asserted that the TDP-Jana Sena-BJP alliance would continue for the next 15 years, have sparked unrest among the JSP cadre.
Speaking in the state assembly on Tuesday, Pawan Kalyan acknowledged that coalition governments face challenges but emphasized that the alliance partners are united in their commitment to serving the people of Andhra Pradesh.
"No matter how many obstacles come our way, the NDA alliance will remain in power for 15 years. If we do not stay united, it would be a betrayal of the people. Even if others speak disrespectfully, we will stay together," he stated.
A few months ago, Pawan Kalyan had already expressed his personal desire for Naidu to remain Chief Minister for the next 10 years.
At the time, this statement caused discontent within the JSP cadre, as many wondered whether they would be carrying the TDP flag for another term instead of strengthening their own party.
Now, by declaring that the alliance will continue for 15 years, Pawan Kalyan appears to be prioritizing preventing YSRCP from returning to power, rather than aiming for Jana Sena to lead the state in future elections.
Previously, there was internal pressure within the JSP for Pawan Kalyan to demand a power-sharing agreement, with equal governance of two and a half years each between the coalition partners.
However, with Pawan now openly wishing for Naidu to remain CM for another 10 years and for the alliance to continue for 15 years, these aspirations have been shattered.
By making his stance clear in the assembly, Pawan Kalyan has signaled that he is not pursuing the Chief Minister’s position.
Instead, if the alliance remains in power, Naidu will continue as CM, leading to speculation that Pawan is surrendering to the TDP while focusing solely on weakening the YSRCP.
This has raised concerns among JSP supporters, who are now questioning the party's true objective. Many are asking: “Is our entire purpose just to ensure that TDP heads the government and Naidu remains the Chief Minister? Why should we work for another leader to take the top position?”
