Prakash Raj slams Pawan Kalyan over Women's Bill comment, challenges him to debate

Actor Prakash Raj on Saturday criticised actor and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan over a social media post the latter shared regarding the Women’s Reservation Bill earlier in the day.

Prakash Raj's latest comments come amid his continued outspoken views on actors and their participation in politics, and follow an earlier apparent jab at actor-turned-politician Vijay.

The exchange began after Pawan Kalyan, on Saturday, posted on X about the Women’s Reservation Bill: "A historic opportunity to strengthen women’s representation in India’s legislatures has been deliberately blocked by the opposition (sic)."

The post referred to the fact that, owing to the Opposition's resistance, the Bill failed a floor test in Lok Sabha.

He added, "The opposition’s stance makes it clear that they lack the



intent to support transformative reforms that strengthen Bharat’s democracy and empower women. By refusing to back the Women’s Reservation Bill, they have once again placed political calculations above national progress, delaying a long-overdue step toward inclusive governance and gender justice (sic)."

Responding sharply, Prakash Raj countered the claims and questioned the political intent behind the statement.

He wrote, "Please stop lying to citizens just to please Modi. Women reservation bill was approved in 2023 itself. It can be passed even now . But your gang wanted to pass Delimitation bill which would weaken the representation of South Indian states including Andhra Pradesh. Requesting you not to sell the self respect and the State rights of Andhra People who have made you DCM. I am ready for debate with you to explain. Are you ready #justasking (sic)."