From “Ask Questions” to “Follow orders”
When Pawan Kalyan launched Janasena in March 2014, he promised a new political culture, one that would question authority, rise above caste and religious divisions, and provide principled leadership to the youth of Andhra Pradesh. The party was projected as a bold alternative that would challenge entrenched political power and stand firmly with the people. However, thirteen years later, the political journey of Janasena presents a strikingly different picture. Instead of emerging as an independent force, the party increasingly appears to function in alignment with the political interests of N. Chandrababu Naidu and the Telugu Desam Party (TDP). The much-publicised “Shanmukha strategy” that was supposed to define Janasena’s independent political roadmap has remained largely invisible, while the party’s decisions and positions have consistently mirrored Chandrababu’s political trajectory. For a party that once claimed it existed solely to question injustice and hold governments accountable, Janasena’s record raises difficult questions. Whether during crucial political developments, governance controversies, or pressing public issues, the party’s silence or alignment with the ruling establishment has drawn growing scrutiny. As Janasena completes thirteen years, its journey invites a deeper examination: Has it truly evolved into the transformative political force it once promised to be, or has it gradually become a supporting pillar in another leader’s political strategy?
Chandrababu is the real controller
Looking at how Pawan Kalyan runs Janasena, it becomes evident that Chandrababu Naidu is the one actually directing the party. Pawan Kalyan’s political conduct clearly prioritizes Chandrababu’s interests above all else.
- In 2014, Janasena did not contest elections, instead supporting Chandrababu Naidu and campaigning for him.
- In 2019, although they contested separately, Janasena allegedly worked internally to benefit TDP candidates.
- During the 2020 local body elections, the two parties again cooperated.
- By 2024, the masks were removed and they contested together as allies.
Thus, Pawan has never truly been politically independent of Chandrababu.
No Strategy of his own
Pawan Kalyan once claimed he would implement a “Shanmukha strategy.” But today there is no trace of that strategy. While Chandrababu deceived people with his “Super Six” promises, Pawan, who claims to have learned politics under him, has forgotten his own promises.
He had promised:
- Drinking water for every household
- Subsidies up to Rs. 10 lakh for MSMEs and startups
- Annual job calendars
- Skill development programs for youth
- Incentives for small and medium enterprises
But has Pawan implemented even one of these?
Despite being Deputy Chief Minister, he has shown no initiative to implement these promises in the last two years.
Did he ever question power?
Janasena was founded with the slogan “a party that came to question.” But in 12 years of its existence, has Pawan Kalyan or his party ever seriously questioned injustice?
Examples:
- Even when institutions like CAG exposed corruption during Chandrababu’s government, Pawan did not question him.
- When audio and video evidence surfaced in the cash-for-vote scandal, Pawan remained silent.
- When 23 MLAs elected on another party’s symbol were allegedly bought by TDP, undermining democratic values, he did not protest.
- Farmers who gave lands for Amaravati capital faced numerous problems,did Pawan fight until the end for them?
On the Uddanam kidney disease issue, Pawan created hype but failed to pressure Chandrababu between 2014–2019. It was YS Jagan Mohan Reddy’s government that ultimately established a Kidney Research Centre, where the first kidney transplant has now been performed. Even today, despite many injustices under Chandrababu’s rule, Pawan, who is part of the ruling alliance, has not raised a single serious question.
Caste and Religion Politics
Although Janasena initially promised politics beyond caste and religion, Pawan repeatedly invoked caste sentiments for electoral benefit.
- He openly appealed to the Kapu community for support.
- He contested from Pithapuram, where Kapus are numerically strong, relying on their backing to win.
- While claiming not to bring religion into politics, he has increasingly projected himself as a defender of Hinduism.
During the Tirumala Laddu controversy, he took on a “Sanatani” posture and performed symbolic acts like washing temple steps, attempting to gain political mileage. From once claiming communist ideological inspiration, Pawan now appears to have no clear ideological framework at all.
Harmful Influence on Youth
Instead of creating opportunities for youth, Pawan has failed to deliver on his promises. Under the Shanmukha strategy, he promised youth employment initiatives, but none have materialized.
Meanwhile:
- Youth are being encouraged toward lawlessness and aggression in politics.
- Instead of providing constructive direction, political extremism is being promoted.
Under YS Jagan’s government, 2.66 lakh youth were employed as village and ward volunteers. Chandrababu and Pawan promised to increase their salaries to Rs. 10,000, but after coming to power, the scheme was scrapped entirely, even claiming that the government orders for their appointments did not exist.
Lack of Control over Party Leaders
Pawan Kalyan has little control over his own party leaders and cadre.
Many Janasena MLAs are effectively aligned with Chandrababu, because:
- TDP allegedly funded their campaigns,
- Managed election operations,
- And selected candidates.
As a result, Pawan lacks authority over them.
Even when leaders face serious allegations:
- The driver Subrahmanyam murder case involving Sri Kalahasti Janasena in-charge Kota Vinutha’s family saw no response from Pawan.
- When Railway Koduru MLA Arava Sridhar faced allegations supported by video evidence from a woman named Veena, Pawan remained silent.
No Constructive Political role
In more than a decade, Janasena has never played a consistent constructive role on major public issues.
It has not led serious struggles on:
- Special Category Status for Andhra Pradesh
- Visakhapatnam Steel Plant privatization
- Law and order issues
- Illegal land allocations
- Corruption by coalition leaders
Cinema over Public issues
Despite holding the Deputy Chief Minister position, Pawan Kalyan shows little seriousness toward governance. His focus appears to remain on films and cinema business.
There are allegations that:
- Ticket prices for his films were increased using government influence.
- Special shows and benefit shows were used to generate large profits.
His recent film “Ustaad Bhagat Singh” reportedly saw record ticket prices.
Silence! when constitutional values are threatened
Since the coalition government came to power, critics claim that democratic values are under attack in the state.
Allegations include:
- Harassment of opposition leaders
- Arrests and detentions under the so-called “Red Book” politics
- Targeting journalists and social media activists
Even when courts criticized government actions, Pawan Kalyan remained silent.
Janasena cadre being crushed under TDP dominance
Even in constituencies where Janasena MLAs won, TDP leaders dominate political and administrative power. Posts, contracts, and opportunities are controlled by TDP. Many Janasena leaders themselves admit that their cadre are being sidelined, but Pawan has not intervened. Those who question this situation are suspended or forced to leave the party.
The Kapu Community’s future in doubt
The Kapu community placed great hopes in Pawan Kalyan.
However:
- No major initiative has been implemented specifically for them.
- Even the Kapu Nestham scheme introduced by YS Jagan was stalled after the coalition government came to power.
When Kapu leader Mudragada Padmanabham was arrested and harassed during Chandrababu’s earlier government, Pawan remained silent. Even now, when Kapu leader Ambati Rambabu’s house and office were attacked and burned, and he was later arrested, Pawan did not intervene. Because of such actions, many Kapu intellectuals and leaders now feel that Pawan Kalyan cannot be trusted to protect their interests.
