Rift In Andhra Coalition? Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan Criticises TDP Home Minister Over Crime Rate

Pawan Kalyan, serving as Andhra Pradesh Deputy CM in TDP-BJP-Janasena alliance government, did not shy away from referencing the 'stringent approach' taken by UP CM Yogi Adityanath.

Pawan Kalyan accused law enforcement of bias arguing that caste considerations should not interfere with justice particularly in heinous crimes.

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Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan critiqued his alliance partner and voiced his dissatisfaction with the state’s law and order management, suggesting he could improve the situation if he held the Home Ministry. His comments, directed at Vangalapudi Anitha, the current Home Minister and TDP leader, were made during a public meeting in Gollaprolu, Pithapuram constituency, on Monday.

Kalyan, who heads the Janasena Party and holds portfolios like Panchayat Raj and Environment in the TDP-BJP-Janasena alliance government led by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, did not shy away from referencing the stringent approach taken by UP CM Yogi Adityanath. "These criminals should be dealt in the same fashion as Yogi Adityanath in Uttar Pradesh. Until then they will not listen. You are pushing us into that kind of situation," he asserted, indirectly criticising Anitha's handling of the recent law and order crises, including the rape and murder of a four-year-old girl in Tirupati district.

In a direct message to Anitha, Kalyan emphasised, "You are the Home Minister…please take on the responsibilities of the Home Ministry. If I take up the Home portfolio, things will be different; remember that." 

Kalyan accused law enforcement of bias arguing that caste considerations should not interfere with justice, particularly in heinous crimes. He said that criminals have no caste or religion so questioned why caste  should obstruct an arrest. "Did the Indian Penal Code instruct you to support criminals?," he stated, questioning the effectiveness of the current law enforcement approach and calling out police officials for perceived negligence.

He further criticised YSRCP leaders for allegedly defending threats of violence online as “freedom of speech,” adding that protecting law and order is crucial for the state's development.

However, he assured that despite minor issues, the coalition would remain intact.

Responding to Kalyan’s critique, Municipal Administration Minister P Narayana defended Anitha, suggesting that the Deputy CM’s comments likely stemmed from frustrations over recent events in Pithapuram. Narayana noted that while ministers can point out departmental issues, there may be legal hurdles in certain police actions.