Pawan Kalyan licks his wound, eats his words on volunteer system

VIJAYAWADA: With numerous cases being registered against Pawan Kalyan by volunteers across Andhra Pradesh amidst raging protests, Jana Sena Party Chief Pawan Kalyan has made a volte face. On Wednesday, he tried to wriggle himself out of the embarrassment he had courted last Sunday, where he alleged human trafficking in Andhra Pradesh and blamed it on the volunteers.

Although he didn't tender a clear apology for his derogatory remarks, he said that he thinks of volunteers as his brothers and sisters.

Overwhelmed with the ongoing backlash, Pawan Kalyan said, "I am not against volunteers, I am questioning the need for this system."

Addressing a gathering during his Varahi Yatra in Tadepalligudem of West Godavari district, Pawan said, "Volunteers are like my brothers and sisters. I am not against you individually and I don't want to badmouth you or take away bread from your plate. If It was in my hands, I would have given you ₹10,000; 5,000 more than what you are currently getting. I am against those few bad people who are doing all the ills in the system. I am questioning you: Do we really need this system?"

Is this a sign that Jana Sena chief is trying to take back his controversial statements. Has he conceded defeat in front of volunteers who have been tirelessly working to provide welfare to the citizens at the last mile?