Vanga Geeta Responds to Pawan Kalyan's Allegations Ahead of AP Elections
As the Assembly and Lok Sabha elections in Andhra Pradesh are set to take place on May 13, all eyes are on the Pithapuram constituency. This heightened attention is due to Janasena leader Pawan Kalyan contesting from the Pithapuram Assembly seat. MP Vanga Geeta is entering the fray as the YSRCP candidate in this constituency.
However, Pawan Kalyan, in his speech yesterday, claimed that Vanga Geeta would join the Janasena Party after the elections, suggesting that he was instrumental in bringing her into politics. He alleged that Minister Peddireddy's son, Mithun Reddy, was brought into the scene to ensure his defeat in Pithapuram, claiming that offers of Rs. 10,000 per vote and Rs. 1 lakh per family were being made. Kalyan expressed confidence that no matter the efforts, his victory in Pithapuram was certain.
Responding to these comments, MP Vanga Geeta clarified that she did not enter politics in 2009 as suggested, but has been politically active since her first year of undergraduate studies, beginning her journey as a student political leader. She shared her passion for service and involvement in public life from a young age, highlighting her roles in school-level cleaning initiatives, and her recognition as the best worker in NSS and best cadet in NCC.
She further stated, "By the time my brother, megastar Chiranjeevi, offered me an opportunity on behalf of Praja Rajyam in 2009, I was already a Rajya Sabha member. This was well known to Allu Aravind and everyone. I served as a District Council Chairman before becoming a Rajya Sabha member in 2006 and joined Praja Rajyam in 2008."
Geeta mentioned that she does not fault Pawan Kalyan for his remarks, emphasizing the importance of being fully informed before speaking publicly, especially in politics. Despite being a senior political figure, she expressed that it wouldn't be right to invite someone to join her party, underscoring her commitment to contesting on behalf of her party and YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, and her confidence in winning the Pithapuram seat.
Criticizing the premature allegations of vote-buying and outside interference in the constituency, Geeta questioned the focus on monetary issues with two months still to go before polling. She stressed the importance of addressing the needs and concerns of the people and the constituency, pointing out that winning the hearts of the people should be the priority. She concluded by emphasizing that the people will decide the winner, dismissing the relevance of outside influences on the election outcome.