Janasena woos Gen Z, eyes expansion beyond Andhra; backs Modi on delimitation

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan-led Janasena Party (JSP) is looking to expand beyond Andhra Pradesh by mobilising youth and Gen Z across southern states, while backing PM Narendra Modi on delimitation.

At a party meeting in the national capital themed "Janasena's Journey for National Integration", the party outlined its plans for a wider southern footprint. The party, under Pawan Kalyan's leadership, will tailor its politics to the local realities of each state while retaining nationalism and patriotism as its common ideological thread across the South, JSP Political Affairs Committee Chairman and Andhra Pradesh Food Minister Nadendla Manohar told ET.

"Many political parties come to Delhi seeking power or staging protests. Janasena has come for national integration. Aspirations are regional, but our thoughts are national," Manohar said.


He said the party was focused on creating a political platform for youngsters and Gen Z.

"We are not saying we will grow rapidly in other states. A platform is there, opportunities are there, and we want to promote young leadership. Every state will require a different approach," he said.

Asked whether the move comes amid the rise of actor Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in neighbouring Tamil Nadu, Manohar said: "Pawan Kalyan garu had been championing issues concerning youth and Gen Z long before TVK entered politics."

Founded in 2014, Janasena currently has three MPs, 21 MLAs, including three ministers in Andhra Pradesh, and three MLCs. The party claims a membership base of around 21 lakh.

On delimitation, opposed by several southern states over fears of losing parliamentary representation, Manohar said Janasena would stand by whatever decision Modi takes as part of the NDA's collective position.

The Delhi meeting was attended by Kalyan, party MPs, MLAs and other office-bearers. Kalyan is also scheduled to meet several Union ministers on Tuesday to discuss pending projects related to Andhra Pradesh.