JP takes Pawan’s flip-flop in his stride

Says Malkajgiri witnessing fight between dharma and money. Recently after Mr. Pawan Kalyan publicly extended his support and decision to campaign for Dr. Narayan out of his respect for the latter, the Lok Satta party leaders finalised the schedule.

Lok Satta Party national president Jayaprakash Narayan has taken it in his stride the decision of Jana Sena president and film star Pawan Kalyan not to campaign for him in Malkajgiri Lok Sabha constituency as announced earlier in view of his commitment to support BJP-TDP combine candidates.

Recently after Mr. Pawan Kalyan publicly extended his support and decision to campaign for Dr. Narayan out of his respect for the latter, the Lok Satta party leaders finalised the schedule. Accordingly he was to address a public meeting in support of Dr.JP.

Mr. Pawan Kalyan’s change of mind came apparently after TDP president N.Chandrababu Naidu called on the film star on Wednesday morning. Dr.JP within minutes of learning Pavan Kalyan’s decision, sent an SMS saying that his decision “will not harm our friendship and mutual regard. I wish you all the best in your endeavours”.

Recalling that Mr. Pawan Kalyan had originally thought of contesting from Malkajgiri but dropped his idea later deeming JP as the right candidate, Dr.JP said he would not expect his own brother to make such a gesture.

Addressing a media conference, the Lok Satta leader described Mr. Pawan Kalyan as a sincere and guileless person with a desire to work for betterment of society and country. His decision highlighted to what extent traditional political parties were fearing the threat posed by forces trying to transform politics and contest elections without luring voters with money and other inducements.

Describing the Malkajgiri election as the tussle between money and dharma, he said people were keenly observing the developments and would deliver the right verdict as they were keen to bring in clean politics and transform the system. “The real hero in the elections is the ordinary voter and not the contesting candidates,” he said.

Dr.JP reiterated his resolve to work for the betterment of Hyderabad and spend Rs.7,000 crore for improving drinking water, drainage and sewerage facilities, ensure Rs.1000 per capita grant to every ward in the city, time-bound delivery of government services to citizens etc. He would also ensure that the Centre would fulfil its promises made to the two emerging States after bifurcation and work for judicial, electoral reforms.