Two fans of actor Ram Charan lost their lives in a road accident on Saturday night while returning home from the pre-release event of his upcoming film Game Changer in Rajahmundry. The victims, identified as Arava Manikanta and Thokada Charan, were residents of Gaigolupadu in Kakinada district. The accident took place on the ADB Road when their two-wheeler was hit by a speeding van coming from the opposite direction. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, both were declared dead on arrival.
This unfortunate event has left their families in deep grief, with fans of Ram Charan also expressing their condolences. However, the response from Deputy Chief Minister and Jana Sena Party (JSP) leader Pawan Kalyan has drawn criticism from citizens and political analysts. Soon after the incident, Pawan Kalyan expressed his condolences on social media but shifted focus to criticize the previous government for poor maintenance of ADB Road. He pointed out issues such as potholes, delayed repairs, and inadequate street lighting as key reasons for accidents on this route.
In his statement, he wrote, “The death of a young man in an accident on ADB Road is saddening. The ADB road between Kakinada and Rajahmundry has collapsed. This road has not been taken care of in the last five years. This damaged road is being repaired. At this stage, I am saddened to know that two youths have died in an accident on the ADB road.” He also announced financial assistance of ₹5 lakh each for the victims’ families through his party and promised additional government support.
Pawan Kalyan’s comments, however, have sparked criticism, with many accusing him of using the tragedy to gain political mileage. Critics argue that instead of addressing the immediate concerns of the grieving families or discussing measures to improve road safety, he focused on blaming the previous administration. This, they claim, diverted attention from his own responsibilities as a senior leader in the government.
Political observers have noted that this is not the first time Pawan Kalyan has been accused of politicizing sensitive issues. One analyst remarked, “This was an opportunity to show genuine empathy and take responsibility, but instead, he used it to target his political opponents.” On social media, many users expressed disappointment, calling his response “insensitive” and accusing him of indulging in “cheap politics” during a time of loss.
The incident has also raised questions about the slow pace of road repairs under the current government. Residents voiced concerns about the continued poor condition of the ADB Road, a critical route connecting Kakinada and Rajahmundry. “If the road is unsafe, why hasn’t the government taken quicker action to fix it? Blaming others won’t help,” said a local resident.
While the announcement of financial aid was appreciated by some, others felt it was insufficient without concrete action to prevent similar tragedies. Critics have urged the government to prioritize infrastructure improvements and implement stronger safety measures to protect citizens.
Read More Here: https://x.com/PawanKalyan/status/1876156351812116642
