Hyderabad: Telangana Government Advisor Mohammed Ali Shabbir on Thursday criticised Pawan Kalyan remarks on Telangana and accused the Jana Sena Party chief of promoting the BJP’s divisive political agenda in the State.
Addressing a press conference, Shabbir Ali described the allegations regarding opposition to the national anthem and national song in Telangana as baseless. He said no such issue existed and alleged that the controversy was being created for political attention.
Shabbir Ali said Telangana had consistently upheld constitutional values, secularism and national unity. However, he alleged that the BJP and its allies often raised emotional issues when they failed to gain public support on governance matters.
He claimed that Jana Sena lacked a significant organisational presence in Telangana and was attempting to gain visibility through religious and regional rhetoric. Furthermore, he said the people of Telangana could distinguish between genuine political issues and manufactured controversies.
Referring to Jana Sena’s plans to contest future elections in Telangana, Shabbir Ali said the party had already tested its strength in the State during previous elections.
Pawan Kalyan remarks spark political debate
Shabbir Ali pointed out that Jana Sena contested eight Assembly constituencies in alliance with the BJP during the 2023 Telangana elections. He said all party candidates lost their deposits and secured only a marginal vote share.
He also cited the February 2026 municipal elections, stating that Jana Sena fielded hundreds of candidates but won only two wards. Therefore, he argued that the party had already received a clear electoral verdict from Telangana voters.
While acknowledging that every political party has the constitutional right to contest elections, Shabbir Ali said leaders should avoid statements that could hurt public sentiment or disturb communal harmony.
He urged Pawan Kalyan to focus on his responsibilities in Andhra Pradesh rather than creating controversies in Telangana. Moreover, he demanded that the Jana Sena chief withdraw his remarks and apologise to the people of Telangana.
Shabbir Ali said democratic competition among political parties was healthy. However, he stressed that political discourse should not undermine communal harmony or the sentiments associated with Telangana’s formation.
