Janasena President Pawan Kalyan, the other day, announced that his party would not contest in Badvel by-election as a mark of respect to the deceased MLA and ensure the unanimous election of his wife who is contesting as YSR Congress candidate.
Janasena would not contest Badvel by-election. We are skipping the competition as a mark of respect to the deceased man’s wife. The pressure was on the party to compete. But I am hoping that everyone will cooperate to make it unanimous,” Pawan Kalyan said.
There is a criticism that Janasena has skipped the election fearing defeat. It looks like even partner BJP is not keen listening to Pawan Kalyan. Media reports are that BJP is keen to contest and may announce a candidate very soon. It will send a message that the alliance partners are not on the same page and will be an embarrassment for Pawan Kalyan.
In the 2019 elections, BJP and Janasena’s partner – BSP contested in Badvel and lost their deposits. BSP polled less than 1% votes and BJP had got less than 0.5% votes. In the recent Tirupati by-election, BJP also lost its deposit but is not shying from the contest.
In case of the stand taken by Pawan Kalyan, he will not campaign for the BJP candidate. But still they are keen on contesting.
