Pawan Kalyan’s ‘Evil Eye’ Remark Sparks Telangana Firestorm, Minister Threatens Film Ban & Demands Apology

A casual remark made by Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan during a field inspection has escalated into a full blown political standoff.

Leaders in Telangana claim the actor politician insulted their state through a comment about the superstitious belief of the evil eye and are now demanding an apology along with a threat to halt the screening of his films.

Leaders in Telangana See Insult in Kalyan's Observation

Last week, while examining coconut plantations damaged by seawater in the Konaseema region, Kalyan spoke about the region's lush landscape and how it had long been admired by people from Telangana since the state's bifurcation in 2014. He suggested that the widespread destruction of coconut groves might be linked to "drishti" or the evil eye, a remark that many interpreted as him blaming Telangana.

Seawater ingress has devastated thousands of acres of coconut crops in Konaseema. While discussing environmental issues caused by overflowing drains and silt accumulation, the Jana Sena chief said, "Leaders from Telangana used to praise Konaseema's greenery, even saying that its prosperity was a factor in the state's bifurcation debate. Perhaps a lot of Dishti (evil eye) was cast on it, and just as a black stone breaks under a strong curse, Konaseema's coconut trees too seem to have been hit by a similar glare."

Telangana Ministers Warn of Action and Demand Apology

Telangana leaders have sharply criticised the remark. They argue it comes at a time when both Telugu states are trying to build cooperation.

Cinematography Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy warned of strict steps if Kalyan did not retract his comment.

"If Pawan Kalyan does not tender an unconditional apology, his movies will not be permitted to be screened anywhere in Telangana," he said. He added, "It is not Telangana's evil eye; in fact, under Andhra leaders' rule, our people had to drink fluoride water for 60 years."

Animal Husbandry Minister Vakiti Srihari said the deputy chief minister's words lacked maturity and were aimed only at "political mileage". According to him, Kalyan was "unable to digest" Telangana's progress since its formation.

Transport Minister Poonam Prabhakar also pressed for an apology.

"Pawan Kalyan must apologise. When there is flooding in Telangana, we do not blame Andhra Pradesh. We think of it as nature's fury. As coalition partners of Kalyan and the Jana Sena party. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and the BJP need to react. He must understand that he is no longer just an actor. He must make responsible statements. He should not speak in a manner that creates animosity between the people of the two states," Prabhakar said.

Criticism Extends Beyond the Cabinet

Congress MLA J Anirudh Reddy questioned why Kalyan was still residing in Hyderabad if he believed Telangana had harmed Konaseema.

"If Telangana has cast an evil eye on Konaseema, why is Pawan Kalyan staying in Hyderabad? He should sell his properties here and shift to Vijayawada," the MLA said.