Fresh political churn in Telangana: Jana Sena will contest state assembly elections in 2028, says Pawan Kalyan

HYDERABAD: Andhra Pradesh deputy chief minister and Jana Sena president Pawan Kalyan declared that his party will rebuild in Telangana and contest the 2028 assembly elections, setting the stage for a fresh political churn in the state.

Addressing a press conference at his Hyderabad residence on Telangana Formation Day, he said: “This is India. No one can prevent others from exercising their rights. Telangana is an integral part of India. Until now, I had not considered this, but since our leaders have asked us to strengthen the party, we will work towards it.”

Kalyan acknowledgeduncertainty over whether his NDA partner BJP would join him in the Telangana fight, noting that state BJP chief N Ramchander Rao had already announced the party would contest alone in the GHMC polls.

Will tour T, Jana Sena leaders free to contest elections: Pawan

He said, “I cannot comment on TDP. That is their prerogative. I am willing to give my leaders the freedom to contest on their own. In previous GHMC elections, I withdrew our candidates, but now I will tour Telangana as I did in the past. My party workers and the people here want me to do this.”

The press conference itself followed high drama after the Congress govt denied Jana Sena permission to hold a public meeting in Hyderabad, citing possible tensions.

The move triggered sharp exchanges online, with Jana Sena supporters clashing with sections of Telangana voices over political commentary by analyst professor K Nageshwar, who referenced speculation about Kalyan’s reported meeting with Union home minister Amit Shah.

Responding to critics who claimed he was unwelcome in Telangana, Kalyan stressed his long-standing support forthe state’s creation.

“I have always supported the creation of Telangana, but I only opposed the manner in which Andhra Pradesh was bifurcated. While the people of Telangana are loving and not filled with hatred, a few elements make it a point to create tensions,” he said.

He added that regional identities must not threaten national integrity, and insisted his fight for Telangana was not for votes but for welfare.

The Jana Sena chief noted that when cases were filed against an analyst, he himself advised withdrawing them out of respect. He questioned whether people of Andhra should be blamed for every issue in Telangana, stressing that he does not believe in fuelling conflicts. “I do not like causing divisions in society,which is why I have often chosen silence over confrontation,” he said.

Kalyan also sought to defuse hostility between Andhra and Telangana, urging that criticism be directed at rulers, not ordinary people. He recalled his support for Gaddar, providing him a car when he struggled to walk due to injuries.

“I always remember receiving more severe threats from YSRCP than from Telangana leaders. I stood for the Telangana people, and they also loved me,” he said.

Drawing parallels, Kalyan asked why leaders from other states contesting in Telangana was acceptable but his presence was questioned.

“If Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi can contest in the south, and if Indira Gandhi could contest in Medak, why is it wrong for Jana Sena to fight for Telangana’s people?” he asked.

He warned against rising separatism based on language and regionalism, urging the Centre to act.