Deputy CM or actor? Petition filed against Pawan Kalyan over dual role

Former IAS officer Vijay Kumar has approached the Andhra Pradesh High Court over actor-turned-politician Pawan Kalyan continuing to act in films while serving as the state’s Deputy Chief Minister. Vijay filed a writ petition on Monday, asking the court to stop Pawan Kalyan from participating in anything related to entertainment.

The petition seeks interim orders that would prevent the actor-politician from acting in films, producing or promoting movies, appearing in advertisements, or joining entertainment programmes.

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He also alleged that Pawan misused his official position and government resources during the making of his latest movie, ‘Hari Hara Veera Mallu’.

 

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Explaining his petition in a recent podcast, Vijay Kumar said his move is based on constitutional concerns. “Pawan Kalyan is a minister in the Andhra Pradesh government today, and that means he is on duty twenty-four seven,” he said. “Any minister who takes an oath leaves behind their other business interests. Once sworn in, how can he continue acting in films?”

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Vijay also raised the issue of ticket price hikes for films. According to him, Pawan’s dual role as a minister and actor creates a clear conflict of interest. “He acted in movies, promoted them, and allowed ticket prices to increase so producers could earn more money. And, he has even admitted to raising the ticket prices intentionally for ‘Hari Hara Veera Mallu’. He said he acts in films to make money. This is exactly why we filed the writ petition against Pawan Kalyan in the High Court,” Vijay explained.

Pawan Kalyan, a major figure in Telugu cinema and the founder of the Jana Sena Party, has often balanced his political career with film appearances, a combination that has drawn public attention before.