Naidu-Pawan coalition possibility rattles Jagan in AP

Politics for sure makes strange bed fellows. Actor Pawan Kalyan who has been silent about Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu in recent days might return to the TDP fold if the present trend of realignment of political parties continues.

Naidu had indicated this at a press conference in Amaravati on Tuesday. Answering a question on the allegation of YSR Congress chief Jagan Mohan Reddy that Naidu and Pawan, who worked together in 2014, would repeat the same in 2019, Naidu without refuting the allegations asked, "Why is Jagan worried about it?"

“Actually, Jagan must tell the people of the state what’s cooking between him Modi and KCR. Instead of that, they are asking about Pawan,” Naidu replied.

His reply has raised political heat because Pawan Kalyan has stopped making verbal attacks on Naidu and the TDP also is using restraint dealing with the maverick Tollywood actor-turned-politician, who had alleged that Naidu has sent a killer gang to "bump him off."

The YSRCP reacting to Naidu’s comments, has said that they knew that Naidu and Pawan were partners, and the recent verbal attacks are only to misguide the people.

In the 2014 elections, the BJP-TDP and Pawan Kalyan campaigned together to success. However, Pawan’s Janasena Party dropped out of the TDP fold and is trying its luck as an individual outfit.

Pawan in a tweet in Telugu tried to clear the air, “Rumours have been spread that Jana Sena is going to tie up with that party, this party. Some have gone to the extent of campaigning that seat-sharing is also over. We don't need any party's support. People are our strength. Let's display our capacity."

However, the political scene has changed in Andhra after the entry of KCR-Asaduddin into state politics. KCR’s visit to Vizag and the advertisement blitzkrieg carried out by Telangana government in Andhra Pradesh have rattled Naidu. He termed it as an act to provoke and humiliate Andhra Pradesh.

Cornered from all sides, Naidu seems to have sought a friendly hand from old friend Pawan Kalyan.

Pawan Kalyan, who belongs to the Kapu community, will bring in the much-needed respite to Naidu by bringing back the alienated Kapu vote bank to Naidu’s fold.

It is worthwhile to mention that Jagan, during a public meeting in the Kapu heartland of East Godavari, said a big no to reservations for the kapu community. After the self-goal by Jagan, Kapu’s are seething with anger.