Actor turned politician Pawan Kalyan has again become a talking point in the media and the political circles. The reason for this is the announcement of polls results to Maharashtra assembly. The Mahayuti alliance led by the Bharatiya Janata Party and its allies romped home with a thumping mandate against the Maha Vikas Anghadi formed by the INDIA bloc.
While several factors appeared to have played a vital role in handing over such an overwhelming mandate to the NDA coalition, there has been a wide discussion about the Pawan Kalyan factor in these results. Reportedly, the majority of segments where Pawan Kalyan campaigned for the NDA contestants have secured victory with a solid mandate. These constituencies have a sizeable population of settlers from Telugu states and Pawan Kalyan was roped in to woo these voters in favour of NDA.
Pawan Kalyan’s aggressive speeches with a blend of Sanatana Dharmam and nationalism highlighting the popularity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi drew massive response and helped the NDA in these territories. With a combined effect of other decisive factors and Pawan’s charisma, the candidates from these constituencies were able to put on a strong show in the elections. Even some of the MLAs who won here have already extended thanks to Pawan Kalyan for his support.
It is true that Pawan Kalyan played a significant role in ensuring that NDA candidates from these segments emerge victorious, but it is unfair and can be termed as a hyperbole to claim that it was solely his factor which helped them. BJP is a national party with massive presence all over the countries. On the other side, regional parties like Shiva Sena ( Eknath Shinde) and NCP ( Ajit Pawar) are very powerful in Maharashtra.
Pawan Kalyan’s efforts and his growing influence need to be credited in the aftermath of the resounding mandate. But, giving too much exaggeration can be counterproductive because Pawan might canvass in some other states for the BJP in future and when the results of such elections don’t come out in its favour, he will have to face the consequences.
There is still a long way for Pawan Kalyan to calls shots at the national level politics. He is just a budding politician with aggressive intent and dedication. He needs more exposure and understanding of the political landscape of the country to emerge as a strong force to reckon with.