Gambling, Cockfights Have No Place in Society says AP Deputy CM

Calling for a return to the true spirit of Sankranti , Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan on Friday urged people to discard social evils such as gambling and cockfighting , saying they should be symbolically burnt in Bhogi bonfires .

Inaugurating the Pithapuram Sankranti Mahotsavam at the RRBHR Government Junior College grounds, Pawan Kalyan said Sankranti was not confined to any one religion but was a festival rooted in Sanatana Dharma, celebrating nature, agriculture and the dignity of labour. He stressed that preserving such traditions was a collective responsibility and warned against practices that erode social values.

Expressing concern over the commercialisation of cockfighting, where crores of rupees change hands, the Deputy CM said such activities damage society and must be put to an end. He called upon citizens to celebrate the festival in a way that reflects Telugu culture and ethics.

Highlighting his focus on constituency development , Pawan Kalyan laid foundation stones for works worth about ₹186 crore and inaugurated completed projects costing ₹26 crore. He said development works worth nearly ₹308 crore had been undertaken in the last 18 months, with an additional ₹211 crore worth of projects planned for the current year.

Referring to key infrastructure initiatives, he cited bridges to address flooding in Gollaprolu, a 33/11 kV power substation, and the modernisation of the cattle market. Reiterating his vision, he said Pithapuram would be developed as a model constituency, ensuring proper road connectivity and pothole-free roads in every village.

On the political front, the Deputy Chief Minister launched a sharp attack on the YSR Congress Party, alleging that the previous government focused on abuse, intimidation and false cases rather than development. He accused the Opposition of trying to incite social divisions by exaggerating minor incidents on social media.

Stressing the importance of law and order , Pawan Kalyan warned that those attempting to create hatred among communities would not be spared and urged the police to act firmly. He also dismissed speculation about differences within the ruling alliance, stating that there were no misunderstandings between him and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, and cautioned leaders against making statements that could weaken the coalition.

In a major announcement for the youth, he said a world-class Martial Arts and Combat Training Academy would be established in Pithapuram . Describing the constituency as the ideological headquarters of the Jana Sena Party , he said while Mangalagiri serves as the party’s administrative base, Pithapuram represents its core values and vision . He also announced that the Jana Sena formation day celebrations would be held in Pithapuram every year.