Telugu Desam asks its people not to respond to Pawan Kalyan's tweets

Vijayawada: The ruling Telugu Desam (TD) has directed all representatives, leaders and cadres not to respond to Pawan Kalyan’s angry tweets, since any reaction will likely create fresh controversies. In one tweet, Pawan said, “Before an actor or a political leader, I am a son and as a son, if I can’t safeguard the honour of my mother, I better die.’’ Taking this sentiment into consideration, TD headquarters has asked its leaders to not respond until further directions from the party. 

Word from the party is that TD leaders want to portray Pawan’s tweets as being against them and a few vernacular news channels as a conspiracy. All through the day-long fast, or Dharma Porata Deeksha, observed by TD supremo N. Chandrababu Naidu, senior TD leaders have been introspecting how best to counter Pawan. A senior Cabinet minister said that the party will react only after going through Pawan’s tweets and his observations on Naidu and also on TD state committee chief Kala Venkata Rao. “Pawan is a bundle of emotions, and we have been asked to stay silent until further orders,’’ the minister said.

However, several TD leaders are puzzled about why Pawan chose to show his anger on the day of the Dharma Porata Deeksha, which was a cause adopted by the Chief Minister in the larger interests of the state. “Is it an attempt to divert attention from the cause?’’  asked a politburo member. 

Naidu is likely to consult ministers, MLAs and MPs over Pawan’s remarks, which have specifically targeted him and his ties with the media. This is the second direct attack by Pawan on the Chief Minister and his family after the Jana Sena formation day public meeting at Guntur on March 14.

Fans misuse PK’s clout, violate rules

Fans and party cadre of actor and Jana Sena supremo Pawan Kalyan appear to be courting controversy by placing their idol’s photos and the symbol of their party on vehicle number plates instead of the registration number, particularly on two- and four-wheelers. 

Many such vehicles have been spotted in the city. According to the Motor Vehicles Act 1988 & 1989, nothing except the registration number of the vehicle should be displayed on the number plate, and those found violating the rule are liable to face punishment.

As per the rules, the traffic police will impose an initial fine, but repeat offenders are liable to be taken to court. 

Pawan Kalyan has intensified his activities in the capital in recent times, holding a meeting on the Nagarjuna University grounds, laying the foundation stone for a home at Kaja, and holding regular meetings with Left leaders and others. In keeping with his increased visibility, the number of illegal license plates seem to be going up.

A traffic inspector said,  “If a license plate bears the ruling party symbol, the owner will get a recommendation from that party. If we stop a vehicle which bears opposition party leader’s photo on the plate, we will be accused of partiality.”