All well in NDA? Pawan Kalyan criticises TDP minister over atrocities in Andhra Pradesh

Pawan Kalyan, Andra Pradesh deputy chief minister and Jana Sena chief, publicly criticised state Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha on Monday. Kalyan expressed concern over recent crimes against children and the overall law and order situation in the state.

Speaking in his constituency, Pithapuram, Kalyan stated that the Home Minister should take responsibility for the current situation. He even suggested that he might take over the Home Ministry if things didn't improve.

“I am telling this to Anitha," Kalyan said. "You are the home minister, I am the panchayati raj and forest and environment minister. Discharge your duties well. I can get the home ministry if I want. If the situation remains the same, I will be forced to take a decision. The situation would be different if I became the home minister."


Kalyan also criticised the Director General of Police and the state intelligence chief, urging them to address the issue of crime. He stressed that law enforcement should operate without considering caste or religion. The Deputy CM praised Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's policies on crime and suggested that Andhra Pradesh should adopt a similar approach.

While the TDP, part of the ruling NDA alliance, offered a measured response, Urban Development Minister P Narayana acknowledged that both the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister have the authority to comment on the performance of any government department.

(with ToI inputs)