Ruling party YSRCP is bent on depriving Amaravati of its capital status by pushing for three capitals, which effectively makes Vizag the state capital. On the other hand, TDP is fighting tooth and nail to keep Amaravati as the sole capital of the state. BJP which is in power at the Centre is sitting on the fence. When Kanna Lakshminarayana led the party, it wholeheartedly supported Amaravati as capital, but after Somu Veerraju took over, the party distanced itself from the cause of Amaravati farmers.
One can understand the reticence of BJP in supporting Amaravati as it considers itself more of a ruling party at the Centre than a state party. But the case with Jana Sena is different. It wants to play a key role in state politics; hence, it needs a clear stance on the issues that are boiling in the state. It is surprising that the party has not spelt out its stance clearly on capital issue. Pawan seems to be on the horns of a dilemma as he feels supporting three capitals will benefit YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and if he supports Amaravati, it will help TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu.
If he wants to follow the BJP way of being a neutral spectator seeking opportunities but never grabbing it, then he will become politically inactive dealing a strong blow on his prospects in the coming elections.
More confusion
After intense consultations, Pawan Kalyan made an announcement in a teleconference with party leaders that protection of Amaravati farmers’ interests has been the party’s policy for long and the party has decided to implead itself in the petitions filed by farmers against three capitals. Protection of farmers’ interests does not mean unequivocal support to Amaravati as the single capital of the state. Rather than clearing the air, this decision has created further confusion.
This ambiguous stand gives rise to a question whether it would be acceptable for Pawan if Jagan promises to develop Amaravati region by setting up of major educational and medical institutions in the area. If the party really believes that interests of Amaravati farmers will be protected only if it is made sole capital of the state, it should actively take part in farmers’ agitation. But the party has not done it so far. With no clarity on either issues or action, Pawan himself is creating hurdles to his political development in the state. It is high time he realized this bitter truth.
