Pawan Kalyan Cancels Telangana Campaign Trip at Last Minute, Health Cited as Reason
In a sudden development, Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Jana Sena Party chief Pawan Kalyan has cancelled his planned campaign trip to Telangana for the upcoming urban local body elections. The trip was scheduled for February 7, just a day before the cancellation, with Kalyan set to tour four constituencies in south Telangana to support the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) efforts.
Health Issues and Political Speculation Surround Cancellation
Sources close to Kalyan have maintained that the cancellation was due to a minor health issue, but this explanation has not quelled widespread speculation. The move comes amid ongoing political tensions stemming from Kalyan's controversial comments in December 2025, where he blamed an "evil eye" for issues in Andhra Pradesh's Konaseema region. Many political leaders in Telangana interpreted this as a direct jab at their state, leading to demands for an apology.
Telangana Congress leader and minister Ponnam Prabhakar recently criticized the BJP for "insulting Telangana" by involving Kalyan in the campaign, highlighting the simmering discord. A top BJP source indicated discomfort over the controversy, noting that while the party had agreed to Kalyan's support for NDA unity, it has decided to contest the polls independently. The source added that the Jana Sena's decision to field its own candidates in Telangana did not particularly enthuse the BJP.
Impact on Local Body Elections and Community Dynamics
The Telangana local body polls are scheduled for February 11, with results to be declared on February 13. Kalyan's cancellation raises questions about the NDA's campaign strategy and internal cohesion. Despite the setback, sources close to Kalyan have affirmed that the Jana Sena Party will continue to actively support the BJP in Telangana.
Kalyan belongs to the Kapu community, which has a significant population in parts of Telangana. However, the BJP in Telangana already boasts prominent Kapu leaders, such as Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar and MP Dharmapuri Arvind, potentially mitigating any community-based electoral impact from Kalyan's absence.
This incident underscores the complex interplay of health, politics, and regional sentiments in South Indian electoral dynamics, as parties navigate alliances and controversies ahead of crucial local polls.
