Pawan Kalyan criticizes supporters of youth protest movement

Pawan Kalyan criticizes supporters of youth protest movement

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and popular South Indian actor Pawan Kalyan has strongly criticized those who expressed support for the youth-led “Cockroach Janata Party” movement, including veteran actor Prakash Raj. He described such support as harmful to national unity and accused its backers of encouraging division within society.

Speaking at a meeting of his Jana Sena Party in Delhi, Pawan Kalyan addressed the growing influence of the movement, which recently organized a protest in Bengaluru against alleged irregularities and question paper leaks in medical entrance examinations. The demonstration attracted significant attention after senior actor Prakash Raj publicly joined the protest and voiced his support for the students.

Without directly naming Prakash Raj, Pawan Kalyan criticized individuals who had aligned themselves with the movement. He argued that some supporters lacked a proper understanding of the country’s political realities and were promoting ideas that could weaken social harmony. According to him, attempts to create divisions among people ultimately threaten the country’s integrity and stability.

Kalyan urged his party workers and supporters not to be influenced by such narratives. He said citizens should resist efforts that encourage polarization and instead focus on strengthening national unity. He emphasized that disagreements should not lead to social fragmentation or political hostility.

Despite his criticism, Pawan Kalyan had earlier adopted a more measured tone while discussing the movement in a media interview. He said it was important to understand why many young people felt frustrated and drawn toward such platforms. Recalling a conversation with his son, Akira Nandan, Kalyan revealed that he had asked how many of his friends were associated with the movement. According to him, only a small number of them had subscribed to its ideas, which he cited while assessing its appeal among young people.

Meanwhile, leaders of the Cockroach Janata Party have continued to position themselves as a voice for India’s younger generation. During the Bengaluru protest, representatives of the movement claimed that young people had decided to fight for their own future rather than rely on traditional political leaders. They argued that politicians who have remained active long past retirement age should make way for a new generation capable of addressing contemporary challenges.

The latest exchange adds another chapter to the long-running political differences between Pawan Kalyan and Prakash Raj. Although the two actors have worked together in several successful films, they have often found themselves on opposing sides of political debates.

Recently, Pawan Kalyan faced criticism over several of his political positions. While he later softened his tone on some issues, he maintained his intention to remain active in electoral politics. In response, Prakash Raj appeared to take a subtle dig at him through a social media post. Without mentioning Kalyan by name, Raj sarcastically questioned whether he would enter politics independently or as part of a larger alliance, suggesting that clarity on his political direction was still needed.

As political tensions continue to rise, the disagreement between the two actors highlights the broader debate over youth activism, political leadership, and the future direction of public discourse in India.