VIJAYAWADA: In a significant political development, Jana Sena chief and Deputy Chief Minister (Panchayat Raj and Rural Development) Pawan Kalyan on Saturday held separate meetings with Railway Kodur MLA Arava Sreedhar and Polavaram MLA Chirri Balaraju amid controversies surrounding both leaders.
Sreedhar submitted his resignation to the post of Assembly Whip, citing personal reasons. The MLA was accused of sexually harassing a woman government employee working in Railway Kodur. A case was registered against him in connection with the sexual harassment.
Taking the allegations against Sreedhar seriously, the JSP leadership had constituted a three-member committee to probe the matter. Sridhar had appeared before the committee, and denied any involvement in the controversy.
During the meeting, Sreedhar reportedly explained his stand to Pawan Kalyan. Sources said the JSP leadership took note of Sreedhar’s explanation and the resignation to the whip post.
In another key meeting, Balaraju discussed the development issues related to his Polavaram constituency with the Deputy Chief Minister.
Pawan Kalyan reviewed the progress of panchayat development works in Polavaram Assembly constituency, for which Rs 147 crore was allocated.
Slow pace of panchayat works irks PK
The Deputy Chief Minister reportedly expressed his dissatisfaction over the slow pace of panchayat works, and directed the MLA to coordinate closely with officials to ensure speedy completion of works.
Party sources said Pawan Kalyan also sought an explanation from Balaraju regarding allegations against the MLA.
Balaraju reportedly sought some time to resolve issues with his family members. Pawan Kalyan had granted him four weeks to set things right.
Balaraju assured the JSP leadership that he would resolve the issues and accelerate development works in the constituency, sources added.