Political tensions between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have intensified following remarks made by Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan on Telangana politics. The comments have drawn sharp criticism from several Telangana leaders, with Congress leader Vennela, daughter of renowned folk singer and activist Gaddar, emerging as one of the latest voices to strongly oppose his statements.
Speaking on the issue, Vennela asserted that Telangana was achieved through decades of struggle, sacrifice and a mass movement driven by the aspirations of its people. She said the state’s formation was not the result of political lobbying or financial influence, but the outcome of an intense fight for self-respect and regional identity. Emphasizing the emotional significance of the Telangana movement, she noted that numerous individuals had sacrificed their lives and many families had endured immense hardships during the statehood agitation.
తెలంగాణ గడ్డ నిన్న మా అయ్యల జాగీరే…
తెలంగాణ గడ్డ ఈరోజు మా జాగీరు…
రేపు మా బిడ్డల జాగీరు…Gaddar's daughter Vennela condemns Pawan Kalyan's comments
పవన్ కళ్యాణ్ వ్యాఖ్యలను ఖండించిన గద్దర్ కూతురు వెన్నెల#Gaddar #PawanKalyan #Janasena pic.twitter.com/BNk0qKceuc
— Congress for Telangana (@Congress4TS) June 3, 2026
Vennela stated that Telangana belongs to its people and future generations, and said the sacrifices made during the movement should not be overlooked. She also recalled the hardships faced by activists during the agitation and described the formation of the state as the culmination of years of struggle and determination.
The Congress leader further remarked that people in Telangana admire Pawan Kalyan primarily as a film actor and as an admirer of Gaddar, but suggested that political comments on Telangana’s identity and history would not be readily accepted by many in the state.
The controversy has further escalated the political debate surrounding Pawan Kalyan’s remarks. While Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has defended his deputy and criticized the reactions from Telangana leaders, politicians from the Congress and BRS have continued to launch attacks on Pawan Kalyan, keeping the issue at the centre of political discourse in both Telugu states.