Pawan Kalyan Urges Cultural Sankranti Celebrations, Launches Development Works Worth ₹186 Crore in Pithapuram
Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Pawan Kalyan, on Friday inaugurated the three-day Pithikapura Sankranti Mahotsavam at the RRBHR Government Junior College Grounds in Pithapuram. Addressing a large gathering, he called upon people to celebrate Sankranti as a festival of culture, tradition, and harmony rather than allowing it to be overshadowed by gambling and betting practices.
Emphasising that Sankranti is not confined to any single religion, Pawan Kalyan described it as a celebration rooted in nature worship and agrarian traditions. He urged families to pass on the festival’s cultural significance to future generations instead of promoting activities that distort its original purpose.
Strong Stand Against Gambling and Social Division
“Gambling and betting should burn in the Bhogi fire, while customs and traditions should shine during Sankranti,” the Deputy CM remarked. He warned that turning festivals into platforms for illegal activities erodes cultural values and weakens social fabric.
Pawan Kalyan also issued a firm warning against attempts to incite caste or communal tensions in Pithapuram. “Any effort to create divisions here will not be tolerated,” he stated, directing police officials to maintain strict law and order and ensure peace during public celebrations.
₹186 Crore Development Projects Launched
As part of the Sankranti celebrations, the Deputy CM laid foundation stones for development projects worth ₹186 crore and inaugurated completed works valued at ₹26 crore across the Pithapuram constituency.
He revealed that over the last 18 months, development projects worth approximately ₹308 crore had already been undertaken in the constituency. For the current year alone, new projects amounting to ₹211 crore are being initiated, a scale of development he said was unprecedented in the region’s history.
Vision for a Self-Sustaining Constituency
Pawan Kalyan stressed that true leadership lies in building systems that function independently of individuals. “Real development is creating a system where a leader is not constantly needed to intervene,” he said, adding that his commitment to Pithapuram would continue regardless of political position.
Highlighting welfare initiatives, he spoke about pension distribution under the NTR Bharosa scheme, free electricity for handloom workers, Anna Canteens providing affordable meals, financial assistance for auto drivers, and renewed implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission with central cooperation.
Long-Term Development Blueprint
The Deputy CM announced plans to transform Pithapuram into a development benchmark, including improved roads, drainage systems, fisheries infrastructure, educational facilities, electrical substations, and sewage treatment plants. He also unveiled a proposal to establish one of the country’s most advanced martial arts academies in Pithapuram to promote physical and mental discipline among youth.
Concluding his address, Pawan Kalyan said Pithapuram would serve as the ideological headquarters of the Jana Sena Party, with annual party foundation events planned in the constituency. “My words may sound soft, but I take them very seriously,” he said, reaffirming his resolve to protect social harmony and deliver sustained development.
