News Brief
Andhra Deputy CM and Janasena Party Chief Pawan Kalyan
Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan has publicly criticised his ally, Telugu Desam Party’s Home Minister Anitha, for alleged incompetence.
Kalyan cautioned that if there is no improvement, he might "take over the home department as well."
The Andhra Deputy CM’s remarks come amid a rise in crimes against women in the state.
After the sexual assault of a three-year-old child on Sunday, Kalyan expressed grave concern, stating that "peace and security has markedly deteriorated in Andhra Pradesh" and law and order has to be handled the way it is done in Yogi Adityanath's Uttar Pradesh.
"I am telling home minister Anitha too. You are the Home Minister. I am the Panchayati Raj minister, Forest and Environment minister. Discharge your duties well or I will be forced to take over home department as well," he said at a rally in his constituency Pithapuram.
Kalyan’s public criticism has fuelled speculation of a potential rift within the state government.
However, P Narayan, a senior minister in Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu's cabinet, stated that Pawan Kalyan, in his capacity as Deputy Chief Minister, has the right to point out mistakes and set ministers on the right track.
The Jana Sena chief recently announced the formation of 'Narasimha Varahi Brigade,' a dedicated wing within his party aimed at protecting Sanatana Dharma.
"I respect all religions, but I stand firm on my faith. Those who criticise Sanatana Dharma on social media or speak disrespectfully about it will have to face the consequences," he had said on Saturday.