Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan refuses first salary citing lack of funds, pending debts

Pithapuram: “Looking at the debts and insufficient funds in the Panchayat Raj department, I felt it is not correct to take my salary,” said deputy chief minister Pawan Kalyan after refusing his first salary.

There is no clarity whether he will continue not taking a salary in the coming months.

On Monday, he handed over pension money at the NTR Bharosa Pension disbursal programme in Gollaprolu, Pithapuram constituency. Over 65.31 lakh beneficiaries across the State will receive their pensions on July 1.

Addressing the beneficiaries at the programme, Pawan Kalyan said, “Along with the welfare, the State needs development. I’m wondering where the funds allocated to the Panchayat Raj department go? The YSRCP were unable to give matching grants for the projects but spent crores of rupees to construct the so-called ‘Palace in Rushikonda.’”

If the previous government could have used those funds for the State, there would have been much development, he added.

“The staff from the Secretariat came to me and asked to sign the papers related to my salary of around Rs 35,000 for 3-4 days of work. I thought to take salary as there would be accountability, but there are no funds in the Panchayat Raj department, and crores or debts in each sub-department. I decided not to take a salary, and instead correct every corner of the department. I will serve for my nation and motherland,” declared Pawan Kalyan. He is also the minister for Panchayat Raj, Rural Development & Rural Water Supply, Environment, Forest, Science and Technology.

‘Will bring my own furniture’

He claimed that the previous YSRCP government did not utilise Jal Jeevan Mission funds for a better purpose.

“When my team asked about repairs and add-ons for the camp office, I told them not to do anything. In fact, I told them that I would bring my own furniture, if necessary,” said the deputy CM.

It is pertinent to note that during his earlier meetings, the Jana Sena Party chief said he would take his full salary as an MLA.

“I will take my full salary because I want to constantly remind myself that I am taking public money which is nothing but people’s tax. I wanted to be accountable for every penny that I spent. I also want people to question me for using their money,” he said, during earlier meetings.