Janasena Party | |
|---|---|
| |
| Abbreviation | JSP |
| President | Pawan Kalyan |
| Chairman | Nadendla Manohar |
| Secretary | Naga Babu |
| Lok Sabha Leader | Vallabhaneni Balashowry |
| Founder | Pawan Kalyan |
| Founded | 14 March 2014 (11 years ago) (2014-03-14) |
| Headquarters | Mangalagiri,Guntur,Andhra Pradesh |
| Student wing | Bhagat Singh Student Union |
| Youth wing | Azad Yuvasena Vibhagam |
| Women's wing | Jhansi Veera Mahila Vibhagam |
| Ideology | |
| Political position | Centre[4] |
| Colours | White Red |
| ECI Status | State Party |
| Alliance | National Democratic Alliance (2014–2018; 2020–present)[5][6] |
| Seats in Rajya Sabha | 0 / 245 |
| Seats in Lok Sabha | 2 / 543 |
| Seats in Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council | 2 / 58 |
| Seats in Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly | 21 / 175 |
| Number of states and union territories in government | 1 / 31 |
| Election symbol | |
 Glass Tumbler | |
| Party flag | |
 | |
| Website | |
| www.janasenaparty.org | |
TheJanasena Party (lit. 'People's Army Party';abbr.JSP) is an Indianpolitical party active in the states ofAndhra Pradesh andTelangana. Founded byPawan Kalyan on 14 March 2014,[7][8] it is currently the second largest party in theAndhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly and a partner in the ruling coalition.[9] Pawan Kalyan, the party leader, has been serving as theDeputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh since June 2024. Janasena advocates for acentrist approach with a focus on humanism.[4] The party's election symbol is aglass tumbler.[10]
Janasena Party did not contest the 2014 elections, but its support was crucial for the victory of theTDP-BJPalliance in Andhra Pradesh.[11] The party gained prominence for highlighting issues such as thechronic kidney disease crisis inUddanam in 2017, which was described by theWHO as "the least understood and the least publicizednephropathy."[12] It later led protests against forced land acquisition, illegal mining inreserved forests, and drought-related issues in 2018.[13]
In 2019, JSP contested its first elections, winning oneMLA seat and securing approximately 6% of the vote share. Subsequently, it focused on grassroots issues, including farmer welfare, illegal sand mining, women's safety, and land encroachment. In early 2024, Pawan Kalyan played a key role in the formation of an alliance between the JSP, TDP and BJP, known asKūṭami (lit. 'Alliance'). The alliance achieved alandslide victory in both thegeneral andstate legislative assembly elections, with the JSP winning all 21 MLA seats and two MP seats it contested, becoming a significant part of the ruling coalition in Andhra Pradesh.[14]
The main goal ofJanaSena Party is to question any type of corruption in government functioning and organizations and to protect the basic rights of people. Janasena follows seven basic ideals promoted as 'Ideals of Janasena' ('Janasena Sidhanthalu' inTelugu):
The party founder and president, Pawan Kalyan, has often stated that he believes in acentrist path, and in maintaining a balance or a middle ground betweenright andleft ideologies.[4][15] He added, "Many people say we don’t understand your-ism. I say to them that my-ism is humanism."[15] He also mentioned that he followsSanatana Dharma but also respects other religions.[16][17][18]
On 12 March 2014, it was officially announced thatTelugumatinée idol and philanthropist Pawan Kalyan, was launching a new political party. In preparation for the launch, Kalyan reportedly visited Delhi to register the party with theElection Commission of India (ECI).[19]
Kalyan formally launched the party at theHyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC) inMadhapur,Hyderabad, on 14 March 2014 with a massive meeting.[8][20] The party was named Janasena (transl. People's Army), and Kalyan urged people to challenge those in power. He unveiled the party's flag and objectives at the event attended by 6,000 people. Kalyan criticized theCongress Party high command for the state's issues, accusing them ofdividing the state without addressing the people's concerns.[8]
The party held its second public meeting inVisakhapatnam on March 27, 2014, where Kalyan launched the bookIsm, co-authored with Raju Raviteja.[21] The Election Commission approved the party on November 28, 2014.[22]
Pawan Kalyan chose not to contest in the 2014 elections, instead supporting and campaigning extensively for theTelugu Desam Party (TDP) andBharatiya Janata Party (BJP)alliance. Kalyan campaigned against theCongress party, giving the slogan "Congress Hatao, Desh Bachao" (transl. RemoveCongress, Save the Nation).[23] His rallies drew huge crowds in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.[24] His support and campaigning played a crucial role in the TDP-ledNational Democratic Alliance's victory in theAndhra Pradesh Assembly elections.[11][25][26]
In September 2016, Pawan Kalyan's public criticism of the BJP and TDP over the delay in granting Special Category Status to Andhra Pradesh led to increased political pressure.[25] Ten days after Kalyan'sTirupati meeting, where he condemned the central government's inaction, the Union Government announced a 'special package' for the state in a midnight press conference.[27] Chief MinisterChandrababu Naidu accepted the package, but Kalyan, at a massive public gathering namedSeemandhrula Atma Gaurava Sabha inKakinada on 9 September 2016, dismissed the concessions as eyewash, resonating with public sentiment and further criticizing Naidu’s compliance with the BJP. One political commentator described the announcement of the special package as a 'political victory' for Pawan Kalyan, highlighting his significant influence.[27]
In November 2016, it was announced that the first office of the Jana Sena Party (JSP) would be established inAnantapur the following year, with plans to contest the2019 general election.[28]
Pawan Kalyan brought attention to theUddanam kidney disease issue inSrikakulam district by requestingHarvard University doctors to participate in clinical research on local kidney problems.[29] He subsequently held a meeting inVisakhapatnam with these Harvard doctors and local scientists. Kalyan also met with Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu to discuss the Uddanam situation, leading to the establishment of a dialysis centre in the region.[30][31] In May 2018, he went on a one-day hunger strike for proper care of patients in Uddanam in May 2018.[32]
On 21 February 2017, Kalyan announced that he would launch a website on 14 March to mark the party's anniversary and invite recommendations for the party manifesto in the2019 general election.[33]
The fourth formation day of JSP was conducted atAcharya Nagarjuna University grounds on March 14, 2018. Kalyan criticized both central and state governments in this meeting. He mainly targetedArun Jaitley,N. Chandrababu Naidu andNara Lokesh for their poor governance and alleged corruption. He said, "I supported the TDP and the BJP parties during the general elections held in 2014 with the hope that they would rebuild the state which had no Capital and no financial resources. But the state government has belied my hopes and the aspirations of crores of people. Why should I support these parties which have betrayed the people?" He questioned Chandrababu Naidu about his son's alleged corruption.[34][35]
In December 2017, Kalyan opposed the central government's move to privatize theDredging Corporation of India (DCI).[36][37] In July 2018, he opposed the TDP government's decision on forced land pooling.[38] In October 2018, he organized a march on the historicalDowleswaram Barrage,Rajahmundry, demanding political accountability.[39] In November 2018, he exposed the alleged unchecked mining in thereserved forest area at Vanthada village ofPrathipadu, East Godavari district.[40] In December 2018, he led a protest march to condole the families of farmers who committed suicide or migrated from the drought-prone regions ofRayalaseema.[13] The prime objective of Janasena Party has been to ensure equal power to all social groups of people.[41]
On 2 May 2018, the JSP announced that it would contest all 175 assembly seats in Andhra Pradesh during the2019 assembly election.[42] JSP formed a bloc with theBahujan Samaj Party,Communist Party of India, andCommunist Party of India (Marxist).[43][44] Kalyan contested two seats in the election,Gajuwaka andBhimavaram.[45][46] He failed to win either seat. JSP candidate,Rapaka Vara Prasada Rao, was elected fromRazole Assembly constituency. The party managed to get around 6% vote share in Andhra Pradesh.
Manifesto
Kalyan released the party's 2019 election manifesto on the fifth formation day of JSP atRajahmundry.[47] The party declared war on unemployment and corruption and wished to ensure the safety of women. Other goals included:
After the 2019 setback, Janasena focused on highlighting issues like farmer welfare, transparent governance, poor infrastructure, illegal sand mining, women's safety, land encroachment etc. On 3 November 2019, Kalyan led a long march inVisakhapatnam in support of construction workers, againstYSR Congress Party, who have been facing unemployment due to a shortage of supply ofsand in Andhra Pradesh.[52] On 16 January 2020, Kalyan announced his party's alliance with the BJP, after three years of distancing from it.[53] On 12 February 2020, he led a rally for justice to Sugali Preethi, a 15-year-old girl who was raped and murdered, inKurnool.[54] He demanded an inquiry byCentral Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the incident.[55] In late 2022, Kalyan started 'Jana Vani,' a series of small public meetings to hear people's grievances.[56]
In 2023, Kalyan undertook a tour in the state on a customized vehicle namedVarahi, aimed at highlighting the failures of Jagan Mohan Reddy's administration. The vehicle used for the trip is acamper van having facilities like a bed, cooking appliances, a bathroom, and a compact meeting area.[57] The tour also included the 'Jana Vani' programme, where the party received petitions from people seeking redressal of their grievances. Later, the grievances were to the notice of the concerned authorities to get them addressed.[20]
The first phase of the yatra started with darshan atSatyanarayana Swamy temple inAnnavaram on 14 June and was drawn to a close atBhimavaram on 30 June.[7] Kalyan touredPrathipadu,Pithapuram,Kakinada urban,Kakinada rural,Mummidivaram,Amalapuram,P. Gannavaram,Narasapuram,Razole,Palakollu, andBhimavaram constituencies in the first phase.[7] The second phase of the Varahi Yatra began with a public meeting inEluru town on 9 July.[58]
On 14 September 2023, Kalyan announced via a press conference, that the JSP andTDP would jointly fight the2024 Andhra Pradesh legislative elections.[59][60] In March 2024, TDP rejoined theNDA for legislative elections and2024 General Elections, effectively making it a tri-party alliance, orKutami, in Andhra Pradesh.[61][62][63] Kalyan played a key role in forging the alliance between JSP, TDP and BJP by limiting the number of seats his party contested. The alliance swept to power in a landslide victory, with Janasena winning each of the seats it contested — 21MLA seats and 2MP seats. Kalyan was elected to theAndhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly fromPitapuram constituency by a margin of over 70,000 votes.[64]
After the 2024 elections, the Janasena Party (JSP) attained eligibility for recognized party status. According to theElection Commission's guidelines, a party can achieve state party status by securing at least three per cent of the total number of seats. JSP exceeded this threshold by winning 13% of the seats in the state, qualifying for the status.[65]
On 12 June 2024, party president Pawan Kalyan was sworn in as acabinet minister in theGovernment of Andhra Pradesh, and on 16 June 2024, he was announced as theDeputy Chief Minister.[66] He is also the Minister of Panchayat Raj, Rural Development & Rural Water Supply; Environment, Forests, Science & Technology.[67][68]
On the same day, two other Janasena legislators and Pawan Kalyan were sworn in as ministers.Nadendla Manohar became the Minister for Food and Civil Supplies, Consumer Affairs, whileKandula Durgesh became the Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Cinematography.[69]
On 5 July 2024, P. Hari Prasad was elected unopposed as a member of theAndhra Pradesh Legislative Council under the MLA quota, becoming the firstMLC from the Janasena Party.[70] On 24 July 2024, Janasena made key appointments for the party within theAndhra Pradesh Assembly.Tenali MLA, Nadendla Manohar, was designated as the Deputy Floor Leader of the party, whileLokam Naga Madhavi, the MLA ofNellimarla, was appointed as theChief Whip.Bhimavaram MLA,Pulaparthi Ramanjaneyulu has been appointed as the Treasurer.Visakhapatnam South MLA Vamsi Krishna Yadav, andRazole MLADeva Varaprasad have been appointed as Secretaries.[71]
In October 2024, amidst theTirupati Laddu controversy, Pawan Kalyan issued a clarion call through hisVarahi declaration inTirupati, advocating for the formation of a board dedicated to protecting temples and Hindu interests.[72][73]
In early August 2024, the Janasena Party (JSP) reached a major milestone by exceeding one million members.[74] The party, which had set a goal to enrol one million new members within the year, achieved this target as reported in August 2024, compared to 6.47 lakh done in 2023 and 3.50 lakh and 1 lakh in 2022 and 2021 respectively. The growth was highlighted by party leaders, includingNadendla Manohar, who underscored the significance of this expansion for the party’s future political initiatives.[74][75]
| Portrait | Name (Year of Birth) | Tenure | Designation | Ref. | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assumed office | Left office | Time in office | ||||
.jpg) | Pawan Kalyan (born 1971) | 14 September 2014 | Incumbent | 11 years, 152 days | President | |
 | Nadendla Manohar (born 1964) | 12 October 2018 | Incumbent | 7 years, 124 days | Chairman | [76] |
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| Vice-President | Bongunoori Mahender Reddy |
| Telangana Incharge | Nemuri Shankar Goud |
| Political Advisor | P. Ramamohan Rao (ex-TN Chief Secretary) |
| Political Secretary to President | P. Hari Prasad |
| Official Representatives | Bolisetti Satya Kandula Durgesh T. Siva Sankar Rao |
| Party Affairs Committee Chairman | Sekhar Puli |
| IT Centre | Ram Talluri |
| Official Spokesperson | Prof. Dr. K. Sarat Kumar |
| Other Leaders | Naga Babu Sandeep Panchakarla Siva Rama Krishna Vaka Muttamsetti Krishna Rao Palavalsa Yesaswini Jivaji Rekha Arham Khan Pasupuleti Hari Prasad Sujatha Panda Pantham Nanaji State official Spokesperson Siva Parvathi |
| Year | Lok Sabha | Party leader | Seats contested | Seats won | Change in seats | Percentage of votes | Vote swing | Popular vote | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 17th | Konidala Pawan Kalyan | 24 | 0 / 543 |  | 0.32% | | 1,915,127 | Lost |
| 2024 | 18th | 2 | 2 / 543 |  2 | 0.23% |  0.09% | 1,454,138 | Government |
| Year | Assembly | Party leader | Seats contested | Seats won | Change in seats | Percentage of votes | Vote swing | Popular vote | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 15th | Konidala Pawan Kalyan | 137 | 1 / 175 | 1 | 5.53% | | 1,736,811 | Others |
| 2024 | 16th | 21 | 21 / 175 | 20 | 6.85% | 1.32% | 2,317,747 | Government |
| Year | Assembly | Party leader | Seats contested | Seats won | Change in seats | Percentage of votes | Vote swing | Popular vote | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 3rd | Konidala Pawan Kalyan | 8 | 0 / 119 | | 0.25% | | 59,001 | Lost |
| No. | Portrait | Name (Lifespan) | Term in office | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assumed office | Left office | Time in office | |||
| 1 |  | Konidala Pawan Kalyan (born 1971) | 14 March 2014 | Incumbent | 11 years, 336 days |
| No. | Portrait | Name (Lifespan) | Term in office | Assembly (Election) | Elected constituency | Chief Minister | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assumed office | Left office | Time in office | |||||||
| 1 | | Konidala Pawan Kalyan (born 1971) | 12 June 2024 | Incumbent | 1 year, 246 days | 16th (2024) | Pithapuram | N. Chandrababu Naidu | |
I personally feel you have to create a very centristic attitude. You have to create a balance.
The 43-year-old star had campaigned extensively in support of the TDP-BJP combine in undivided Andhra Pradesh for the general elections earlier this year. His campaign is believed to be one of the key factors in the success of the TDP-BJP combine in the elections.
Though people in Uddanam have been suffering from kidney diseases of unknown cause (etiology) for decades, the village shot into prominence in January this year when Jana Sena leader and actor Pawan Kalyan took up the cause. His diatribe against the authorities forced the state government to seek the help of international health and medical experts.
Stating that he strongly opposes extremism in any party, he said there is harmony and coexistence in Indian society and that's why people live here peacefully. Pawan said that Indian Hindu society stands for all religions. He made it clear that he was a Hindu, but all Muslims were his brothers.
"The Election Commission of India has given registration to the 'Janasena Party' as a political party Under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act,1951 with effect from 24.11.2014 vide Registration Number 56/118/2014/PPS-I dated 28.11.2014," the outfit said in a statement on Thursday.
Pawan Kalyan, who did not contest the elections in 2014, lent his support to the Telugu Desam-BJP alliance in the State and is said to have played a key role in securing the vote of the Kapu caste for the alliance, paving the way for the victory of the TDP-BJP combine in many coastal districts.
Though people in Uddanam have been suffering from kidney diseases of unknown cause (etiology) for decades, the village shot into prominence in January this year when Jana Sena leader and actor Pawan Kalyan took up the cause. His diatribe against the authorities forced the state government to seek the help of international health and medical experts.
