Naidu’s Intervention Quells Unrest in Alliance

Vijayawada: Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu’s swift intervention has quelled the unrest within the alliance government following Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan’s strong criticism of the “police inaction” on objectionable social media posts.

Naidu was quick to sense the mood swing in Pawan Kalyan and immediately directed the police to curb such activities on social media. The top brass of the state police plunged into action targeting the “social psychos.” Within two days, several social media activists were arrested or taken into custody for their objectionable and abusive posts.

It was on November 4 that Pawan Kalyan launched a scathing attack at Pithapuram on the state police and home minister Vangalapudi Anitha “for the deterioration in the law and order situation” in the state. This raised eye-brows over a likely worsening of relations between the TD and Jana Sena. However, after the intervention of Naidu, home minister Anitha met Kalyan and explained matters. The ice, sources say, was broken.

Pawan Kalyan, citing the state police’s inaction, had called for strong steps in AP, as were taken by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath against criminals and anti-social elements there.

Pawan’s sudden outbursts against home minister Anitha came in the context of the rape and murder of a three-year-old girl on November 1 in Tirupati district and some social media indulgences.

Adding to the political suspense, the Deputy CM got a call from Union home minister Amit Shah on November 5 and an "appointment" for discussions in Delhi soon. This raised speculations in the political circles. Rumours spread that Pawan would go and complain to Shah about state matters.

During a public meeting at Pithapuram, Pawan Kalyan had said, “I want to tell home minister Anitha that law and order is her responsibility. I am the panchayati raj minister. If I take up the home portfolio, the situation will be very different. If things continue in this vein, I will have to do that.”

He had added, “I am even warning the DGP, intelligence officials, and all SPs that cases like these (social media attacks) should be taken up with more seriousness. Despite several warnings, nothing has changed.”

Citing the bad condition of social welfare hostels for girl students, Pawan Kalyan said, “For years, these have been brought to my notice. No one takes the responsibility. Many in authority at the social welfare hostels are troubling girl students. Have any of the MLAs visited these places? I’m asking MLAs of the alliance, have you gone there?”

“Go to social welfare hostels. I will soon raise the subject in the Assembly for a discussion,” he told the people’s representatives.

The aggressiveness of Pawan Kalyan raised many eyebrows among the leaders of the three-party alliance. However, he cleared the air at the cabinet meeting on Wednesday, explaining the cause of his outburst.

Pawan made it clear to his cabinet colleagues that he was hurt by the targeting of his family members in the social media platforms and the police’s weak responses to the abusive posts against alliance leaders.

This came as a sigh of relief to the leaders worried about any abrupt breakup of the TD-JS-BJP alliance.

Taking due note of the criticism, the Chief Minister responded by expressing sympathy to the Deputy CM and assuring him stern action against “social psychos” and a streamlining of the law and order machinery in a month’s time.

Home minister Anitha met Pawan Kalyan and explained to him the steps initiated by the police department against abusive posts and ‘social psychos’. This has helped restore normalcy in the three-party alliance and between the two senior ministers.