Tough decisions must be taken: Pawan Kalyan with CM Chandrababu

Pawan meets CM at his residence in Undavalli

The two discussed various issues for about 2 hours

Amaravati: Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan requested Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu to order a comprehensive investigation into the illegal rice smuggling happening through the Kakinada port. He explained that the rice mafia had been rampant in the state for the past five years, even threatening national security through these smuggling operations. The two leaders mainly discussed the illegal rice exports through the Kakinada port during a meeting that lasted about two hours at the Chief Minister’s residence in Undavalli.

Tough decisions must be taken: Pawan Kalyan brought to Chandrababu’s attention that a vast network was operating from Chittoor to Srikakulam, embezzling crores of public money. He highlighted how the management of the Kakinada port had intimidated Arabian businesses into transferring 41.12% of shares. He mentioned that, over the past three years, rice worth ₹48,537 crore had been exported through the Kakinada port, showcasing the extreme behavior of the rice mafia. He appealed to the CM to take tough decisions to clamp down on the ration mafia.

Officials' behavior is not right: Pawan Kalyan shared that, during his visits over the past five years, he had been prevented from entering the Kakinada port, and even now, some officials’ behavior remained problematic. He pointed out that rice exports to African countries had been happening at an unprecedented scale and emphasized that a thorough investigation was needed to expose the truth about these illegal activities during the previous government.

Opinion on Rajya Sabha seats: Pawan Kalyan also shared his views on the selection of candidates for the three vacant Rajya Sabha seats. Although several names have been circulating for the candidates, the coalition leaders have not yet officially announced who will be fielded. It remains to be seen whether each party will nominate one candidate per seat or whether there will be candidates from TDP for two seats and one from BJP.

Discussion on nominated positions: Pawan Kalyan also discussed the proposed names for filling the fourth batch of nominated positions with the Chief Minister. He suggested that while there had been some control over the character assassination and misinformation circulating on social media, further stringent actions should be taken.

Condolences to CM: Pawan Kalyan also expressed his condolences to the Chief Minister for the passing of his brother Rammurthy Naidu during their meeting.