Actor-turned-Jana Sena Party chief Pawan Kalyan has sought to deny the reports that he has an understanding with YSR Congress party or any other party to contest the 2019 elections.
At the same time, he did not rule out forming an alliance with “like-minded parties” before the elections.
Pawan spoke to The Hindu in Srikakulam from where he commenced his Jana Porta Yatra on Sunday.
“The Jana Sena Party is not going to play any second fiddle to any party. It is going to emerge as a formidable force on its own soon,” he said.
Pawan reiterated that his party would contest all the 175 seats and he had already finalised candidates for 90 Assembly segments.
He, however, did not rule out the possibility of forging alliance with like-minded parties before the elections.
“Our options will be open. We would think of coalition with other like-minded parties only three months before the elections. In fact, one month is sufficient to finalise seat sharing with allies,” he said.
He said he would give utmost priority for capability to win and also for social justice.
“Caste equations and other so-called parameters will not be applied in the selection. We learnt many lessons in the Praja Rajyam Party which gave tickets to candidates with lack of experience and leadership qualities,” he said.
On the comments that he is still a novice in politics, Pawan said he had learnt a lot while working for Praja Rajyam Party, which had won 19 assembly seats in 2009.
“I can assure you that I will not indulge in deceptive politics like other parties. I promise human angle in every decision if the Jana Sena is voted to power,” he said.
