VISAKHAPATNAM: On Wednesday, Jana Sena President Pawan Kalyan rooted for Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati as the next Prime Minister of India, stating that “if a chaiwala can become the PM, a lone fighter with a social purpose like Mayawati can become the PM too and take the nation forward”. “She took up many challenges and inspired the current generation of political leaders. From both the Telugu-speaking states, we want to garner support for her to realize our dream of seeing her as India’s next Prime Minister,” Pawan added.

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Addressing media conference alongside Mayawati, Pawan said his resolution to ally with the BSP and Left parties may result in a new political landscape in both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana after the Lok Sabha elections 2019. “People want a change. Alliance with BSP and others will enable Jana Sena to form a strong government. I am grateful to Mayawati Ji for her support. If she becomes PM she will grant special category status to Andhra Pradesh, where both BJP and Congress have collectively failed,” he added.

Pawan said that Uttar Pradesh had developed socially and economically during the rule of Mayawati — both from the pro-poor welfare schemes implemented by her and also from efficient maintenance of law and order. “She also managed to enhance the state budget from Rs 45,000 crore to Rs 3 lakh crore during her tenure,” he noted.

When asked whether he would ally with TDP or YSRC in the case of a hung mandate, he said, “I am confident of forming a government independently, without having to support either the YSRC or TDP. Since the last 10 years, I have been gaining insight and experience to run a political party,” he said.

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