Hyderabad: A day after threatening to go on a fast-unto-death, actor and Jana Sena founder Pawan Kalyan softened his stand against the government on the land pooling issue in the AP capital area. On Friday, the actor-politician praised Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and criticised the late Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy while speaking to reporters at his party office in Jubilee Hills. He gave enough indications that he was not ready for a showdown with either the Naidu-led Telugu Desam government in AP or the Modi-led NDA government at the Centre.

Despite his threats and criticisms on Thursday, Pawan Kalyan was evasive a day later about his stand on various issues including Special Status to Andhra Pradesh and land pooling for the capital. He categorically said that he was not against the TD government and it was not a “power struggle” but that he was expressing only genuine concerns of farmers. Pawan Kalyan said that he was going slow on criticising the AP government because he had an “intended goal”.

The actor added that he wanted to see Mr Chandrababu Naidu as Chief Minister till 2024. However, he said that he was worried that if Mr Naidu did not return to power, who would protect the farmers who had gave their land for the capital. He categorically said that he was not against the TD government and it was not a “power struggle” but that he was expressing only genuine concerns. “When Jagan (YSR Congres chief Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy) visited a village, they opposed him. What happens if the government changes and the new one takes adverse action against them (the farmers)? What is the protection for them?” he asked.

Pointing out that though Mr Chandrababu Naidu genuinely wanted to implement the farm loan waiver scheme, there were no funds. Issues like this, wherein schemes were not properly implemented, could lead to social unrest, he warned.

When asked about joining hands with other parties, he said, “My own voice is not enough. I am ready to join hands with others. My bandwidth is limited.”

When asked about “match-fixing” reports between him and Mr Naidu, he said that he would not gain anything out of it. “What is my advantage from it?” he questioned. “I had hope in Chandrababu because he is an experienced leader. Hence I supported him in the elections. We need development but don’t kill villages,” he said.

While stating that he had not decided on fielding candidates in the upcoming GHMC elections, the actor said that his party would contest all elections in both states to get electoral experience.

Regarding Special Category status for AP, he said that the BJP had so far stood by its word by bringing the Polavaram ordinance. “They are citing some problems. They say that if AP is given special status, then industries will leave other states. If you think so, why did you give your word in Parliament? If you go back on your word, how will people who trusted you react? How would you then expand BJP in AP? They should know that,” said Pawan. He called upon MPs of the YSRC, TD and the BJP to fight for the special status.