Andhra Pradesh’s Deputy Chief Minister and Jana Sena Party (JSP) leader Pawan Kalyan has strongly criticized the state’s handling of gender crimes, urging immediate action to curb the rise in such offenses. Addressing a meeting in his Pithapuram assembly constituency on November 4, Kalyan expressed admiration for Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s strong stance on crime and warned Andhra’s Home Minister, Anita Vangalapudi, to address the issue or risk him taking over the portfolio.
Kalyan highlighted the increasing number of crimes against women in the state and urged Vangalapudi to act swiftly. He pointed out that the rise in gender crimes was a legacy of the previous YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government, emphasizing the need for robust law enforcement. “When the Nirbhaya incident occurred, the public demanded harsh punishment for the perpetrators. While justice is important, addressing the root causes of such crimes is crucial,” Kalyan said.
He further criticized the complacency in the state’s law enforcement, stating that police officers were often hesitant to act, citing caste and religious considerations. “When rape threats are made online, they are defended as free speech. When it comes to taking action against rapists, police become hesitant due to caste and religious issues,” Kalyan noted.
The JSP leader argued for an iron-fisted approach to tackle crime, referencing the more secure environments in places like Dubai and Singapore, which he attributed to strong law enforcement. “Why is it that the safety of women in Andhra is worse than in these countries?” he asked.
Kalyan also indicated that he could take over the Home Ministry if necessary. “For the kind of brazen criminals we have today, we need Yogi Adityanath’s approach to curb such crimes,” he said, pointing to the success of the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister’s tough measures.
Political Implications and Criticism
Kalyan’s remarks have sparked controversy, with analysts suggesting that he violated coalition norms by publicly criticizing Vangalapudi, a senior member of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), the principal partner in the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Andhra Pradesh. This has led to speculation that Kalyan’s comments may have embarrassed Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. Moreover, the opposition YSRCP has seized on Kalyan’s criticisms, with the party’s women’s wing president, Varudu Kalyani, accusing the Naidu administration of failing to ensure public safety.
Kalyani called for immediate steps to enhance women’s safety, including the reactivation of the Disha app and full implementation of the Disha Act, which aims to address gender-based violence. She also questioned Kalyan’s own track record in dealing with such issues.
Kalyan’s Growing Political Influence and Hindutva Stance
Despite the backlash, Kalyan’s position in Andhra politics is strong, as his JSP swept all 21 assembly seats it contested in the state’s recent elections. Kalyan has cultivated a close relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with Modi referring to him as a “storm” rather than just a “wind.” This alliance has cemented Kalyan’s place as a prominent figure in the saffron right-wing camp.
In a further move to bolster his Hindutva credentials, Kalyan launched the Narasimha Varahi Ghanam (brigade) on November 2, a wing of his JSP aimed at protecting Sanatana dharma. The launch came after Kalyan’s “Prayaschitta Deeksha” (atonement ceremony) and statements regarding the purity of ingredients used in temple offerings, particularly the famous Tirumala laddoo.
At the launch of the brigade, Kalyan emphasized the need for unity among Hindus and protection of their faith, even citing the discipline of worship in Islam as a model for Hindus to follow. “Sanatana dharma and its deities are disrespected in this land, and we must safeguard them,” he stated.
Kalyan has also proposed national legislation to protect Sanatana dharma and certification for temple ingredients to ensure their purity. Analysts believe these initiatives are part of a broader strategy to expand the influence of the saffron camp in both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
As Kalyan continues to position himself as a leading advocate for Hindutva in the region, his political maneuvering and tough stance on crime are set to shape the political discourse in Andhra Pradesh in the coming months
