K Varaprasada Rao Amaravati

Theannouncement by Jana Sena Party chief and Deputy Chief Minister K Pawan Kalyan that he and his wife Anna Lezhneva have decided to part ways has prompted the YSRCP and the TDP to move swiftly to prevent the personal matter from becoming a subject of political mudslinging on social media.

The YSRCP leadership has instructed its leaders, spokespersons, party cadre and social media activists not to comment on Pawan Kalyan’s personal life or circulate content relating to his separation. The directive, issued from the party’s central office following instructions from party president Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, calls for restraint in public discussions and on social media platforms.

The party has specifically cautioned its members against responding to posts, joining online discussions or sharing photographs, videos and other material concerning the personal lives of Pawan Kalyan and his family. Though the communication does not name him, its timing and contents make clear that it was issued in response to the announcement.

The TDP, an alliance partner of the Jana Sena Party, has also declared that it would not tolerate personal attacks or derogatory comments concerning the private lives of leaders belonging to either the alliance or the YSRCP.

Its IT wing, ITDP, warned that disciplinary action would be taken if such remarks were found to have been made through social media accounts affiliated with it. It also clarified that it would not be responsible for personal opinions expressed by individuals.

Pawan Kalyan and Anna Lezhneva announced their decision on Monday night through a joint statement, saying they had chosen to separate by mutual understanding and respect after sharing a significant part of their lives. They said that although their marriage had come to an end, they would remain good friends and devoted parents, with their children’s happiness and well-being remaining their priority.

The couple did not disclose the reasons for their decision and appealed to the public and well-wishers to respect their privacy during this personal transition. The statement was circulated in their names, though the announcement was not carried on Pawan Kalyan’s official social media handle or the Jana Sena Party’s official account.

The separation marks the end of Pawan Kalyan’s third marriage. He was earlier married to Nandini and later to actress Renu Desai, with whom he has children. Speculation about differences between Pawan Kalyan and Lezhneva had surfaced earlier, partly because of her absence from some family gatherings, although she had accompanied him at public events.