Jana Sena Party president and Andhra Pradesh deputy chief minister Pawan Kalyan has at last come out in the open with his opinion on the sensational Sandhya Theatre stampede episode of December 4, in which a 35-year-old woman died and her nine-year-old son was hospitalised.
Pawan Kalyan expressed his views on the incident, but he sounded too diplomatic, as he did not find fault with anyone – either his nephew Allu Arjun or the Revanth Reddy government in Telangana.
Stating that it is quite common that people show love and affection for film stars, and fans get excited when a hero arrives.
“Film stars deserve praise and awards, which cannot be ignored. So, there was nothing wrong in Allu Arjun going to theatre to watch the movie,” he said.
He also defended Allu Arjun coming out of the car and waving at the crowds.
“If the actor doesn’t greet others, people may develop a different perception of him. Pride and arrogance become topics of discussion,” he said.
At the same time, he said sufficient precautions should have been taken while Allu Arjun went to the theatre to watch the movie.
“The staff should have informed Allu Arjun about this matter beforehand. Once he sat down, they should have informed him and taken necessary action,” he said, adding that even if it was communicated to Allu Arjun, it was possible that he couldn’t hear amidst loud cheers from the crowd.
Pawan Kalyan recalled that he had stopped going to movie theatres long ago. Chiranjeevi used to go to the theater alone, disguised. I have also gone in such situations.
“In such incidents, I don’t blame the police because their priority is security. Even during my recent tour in Vizianagaram district, the police asked me to stay at the front,” he said.
He praised Revanth Reddy as a great leader who rose from the grassroots and noted that his approach was different from the YSRCP's methods. He also mentioned that there were opportunities for benefit shows and ticket price hikes.
“The law should be equal for everyone. Even if was Revanth Reddy in that position, he would have been arrested like Allu Arjun,” he said.
Pawan Kalyan felt that Allu Arjun should have acted with a little humanity.
“If not him, it would have been better if someone from Allu Arjun’s side had visited the victims' homes the very next day. That way, the situation wouldn't have escalated,” he said, adding that it was important to let everyone know that we were standing by them.
The deputy CM said Allu Arjun may feel guilty for the death, thinking that it happened because of him. He should have reassured everyone that he was there for the victims.
“In cinema, it's a team effort, and everyone should be a part of it. In this case, Allu Arjun has been made the sole culprit, which I believe is not right," he added.