Pawan Kalyan’s rival Mudragada Padmanabham changes his name as vowed by him after defeat

Tollywood power star Pawan Kalyan has made a remarkable entry into politics, securing the position of Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh after a historic win in the 2024 state assembly elections. Running from the Peethapuram constituency, Kalyan, who leads the Jana Sena Party, achieved an unprecedented victory, marking a significant turnaround after previous electoral defeats.

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The Jana Sena Party made history by securing 100 out of 100 seats, a first in the country's political landscape, defying expectations and leaving opponents in disbelief. Senior YSR Congress leader Mudragada Padmanabham, who was Pawan Kalyan’s main rival in Peethapuram, had boldly challenged Kalyan, stating he would change his name if defeated. The challenge sparked a heated exchange, with Padmanabham vowing to adopt the name Padmanabha Reddy should Kalyan win.

In a dramatic turn, Padmanabham’s own daughter publicly supported Pawan Kalyan, campaigning vigorously for him and predicting his victory. Her endorsement added to the momentum of Kalyan’s campaign, ultimately contributing to his triumph by a margin of 70,000 votes.

The aftermath of the election saw fans of Pawan Kalyan taking to social media to troll Padmanabham for his failed challenge. True to his word, Padmanabham legally changed his name to Padmanabha Reddy, a move that surprised many. Despite this concession, the fervor of Kalyan’s supporters remains high, highlighting the intense rivalry and high stakes of this electoral battle.

This victory not only cements Pawan Kalyan’s position in Andhra Pradesh’s political arena but also underscores the effectiveness of his strategy and the unwavering support from his community and party members.