The announcement of separation by Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Jana Sena president Pawan Kalyan and his wife Anna Konidela has prompted an unusual response from the state’s two major rival political camps, with the TDP’s iTDP wing and the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) issuing instructions to their respective cadres against commenting on the couple’s personal matter.
Both ruling and opposition sides came together to prevent the personal announcement from becoming another flashpoint in Andhra Pradesh’s politically charged social media environment.
On Tuesday, Pawan Kalyan attended the cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu at the state secretariat. The TDP-affiliated iTDP social media wing issued a warning against personal attacks on political leaders and their families, covering both ruling alliance and opposition leaders. The party also urged its members to maintain dignity and responsibility while engaging in public discourse.
Pawan Kalyan and Anna announced their decision to part ways after 13 years of marriage through a joint statement circulated on Monday night.
It said inappropriate posts, discussions and comments would not be tolerated and warned of disciplinary action against accounts associated with the organisation. “Dignity in public discourse is non-negotiable. iTDP will not tolerate personal attacks on anyone, from any side,” its message said. “Please respect privacy and exercise discretion in public communications,” the YSRCP communication said. “After sharing a significant part of our lives together, we have decided to part ways with mutual understanding and respect,” the couple said.
