Actor turned politician Pawan Kalyan on Saturday began his three-day visit to Anantapur district as part of his larger political tour across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
After laying the foundation stone for the construction of his first party office in Andhra, at the Gooty road in Anantapur, Pawan addressed a large gathering.
Stating that he was aware of the looming problems being faced by people in the Rayalaseema region of the state, he demanded a ‘special package’ for them.
“I am ready to take a delegation to New Delhi to demand a special package for the Rayalaseema region. I also came from an agricultural family. I know the problems of the poor and the aspirations of the youth. I will do my sincere effort to do justice for the needy,” he was quoted as saying.
He also said that he would be chalking out a detailed action plan on the matter soon.
The Rayalaseema region comprises four districts - Kurnool, Kadapa, Anantapur and Chittoor. The region has several drought-prone areas, and witnesses farmer suicides annually.
Tired of being unable to grow crops, several thousand people from the region migrate every year to the neighbouring states of Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala, in search of daily wage jobs.
There is a strong sentiment among locals in the region, that the area has been historically underdeveloped, especially under the erstwhile Andhra Pradesh state.
Pawan is presently on his 'Chalo re Chal' yatra, that plans to tour parts of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, before his full-fledged foray into politics when he plans to contest the 2019 election.
Pawan launched his 'praja yatra' at Kondagattu in Jagtiyal district, after offering prayers at a local temple.
He has announced in the past that his Jana Sena Party would contest all seats in the state in the upcoming general election, and Pawan Kalyan himself, could contest from Anantapur.
IANS inputs