New Delhi: Prakash Raj on Friday launched a sharp attack on Pawan Kalyan, accusing him of misleading citizens to please Prime Minister Narendra Modi and daring him to a public debate, triggering a heated political exchange, Hindustan Times reported.
The confrontation erupted after Kalyan blamed the opposition for blocking what he described as a historic chance to enhance women’s representation and strengthen democratic values. He projected the failed move as a missed opportunity for gender justice, accusing rivals of prioritising political interests over national progress. He also credited the Union government’s leadership for pushing what he portrayed as a transformative reform and expressed confidence that women would eventually secure stronger representation.
Raj, however, countered the narrative with a blistering rebuttal. He asserted that the women’s reservation framework had already received approval earlier and could still be enacted, rejecting the claim that the opposition had derailed it. He went further, alleging that the real intent behind the move was tied to a delimitation exercise that, in his view, could weaken the political voice of southern states, including Andhra Pradesh.
Escalating his attack, Raj accused Kalyan of compromising the dignity and rights of the people who elevated him to office. He framed the issue as one of regional justice versus political alignment, urging accountability and transparency. The actor-turned-activist then threw down the gauntlet, publicly inviting Kalyan to a debate to defend his claims, intensifying an already charged political face-off.
Raj wrote in the X account, “Please stop lying to citizens just to please Modi. Women's reservation bill was approved in 2023 itself. It can be passed even now . But your gang wanted to pass Delimitation bill which would weaken the representation of South Indian states including Andhra Pradesh. Requesting you not to sell the self respect and the State rights of Andhra People who have made you DCM (folded hands emoticons) I am ready for debate with you to explain. Are you ready?”