The primary focus of Roja’s criticism was the absence of Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan from the crucial cabinet session. She noted that while he skipped the meeting to attend to his upcoming film Ustaad Bhagat Singh, the government simultaneously issued orders allowing a significant hike in ticket prices and permitting 4:00 AM benefit shows for the movie. Roja highlighted that with single-screen prices hiked by ₹100 and multiplexes by ₹125, the government has prioritized the commercial success of a leader’s film over the common man’s pocket.
Further, Roja alleged a conflict of interest regarding Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. She claimed that during the same cabinet meeting, special incentives and perks were sanctioned for Heritage Foods, a company owned by the Chief Minister’s family. According to her, the absence of six other ministers was a calculated move to deflect attention from Pawan Kalyan’s non-attendance, ensuring that no internal questions were raised regarding these controversial decisions.
The YSRCP leader concluded by urging the public to observe the pattern of governance, where state machinery is allegedly used to bolster personal businesses and cinematic ventures. She emphasized that the outcome of this cabinet meet brought zero benefits to the citizens of Andhra Pradesh but provided “great benefits” to the two leaders at the helm. This latest verbal volley adds to the growing political friction in the state as the release of Ustaad Bhagat Singh nears on March 19.
