‘I Felt Jealous’: Pawan Kalyan On CM Vijay’s Quick Political Rise, Says He Wandered Streets For 15 Years

Last Updated:May 26, 2026, 11:42 IST

Pawan Kalyan said politics in Tamil Nadu looked comparatively easier at present. “I look at Tamil politics these days; they've done it so carefree. I felt jealous."

In Indian politics, rival leaders often criticise one another openly. But Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan surprised many on Monday when he publicly admitted feeling “a bit jealous" of Vijay and his rapid political success in Tamil Nadu.

The actor-turned-politician made the remarks while addressing members of his Janasena Party during a public event. His comments quickly attracted attention because political leaders rarely acknowledge admiration or jealousy towards rivals so openly.

What Pawan Kalyan said?

Speaking about his long political journey, Pawan Kalyan said politics in Tamil Nadu looked comparatively easier at present. “I look at Tamil politics these days; they’ve done it so carefree. I felt jealous. They won using cutouts and holograms happily," he said while laughing.

However, he soon shifted to a serious tone and reflected on his own struggles over the past 15 years. “I have been wandering the streets for fifteen years," he said.

Kalyan explained that building and managing a political party was far more difficult than many people imagined. “Managing a political party means uniting hundreds of thousands of people. We can’t even get our own family members to agree on a single thing," he told party workers.

He added that launching a party and attempting to change society involved enormous risk. “Starting a party and attempting to transform society was a massive risk," he said.

News india ‘I Felt Jealous’: Pawan Kalyan On CM Vijay’s Quick Political Rise, Says He Wandered Streets For 15 Years

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