Speaking at a Rajahmundry rally on Monday, Pawan Kalyan sounded sad that his close friend Ali "ditched" him and joined YSRCP.  "I have always stood by Ali garu's side but he felt that he shouldn't be with me because I may not win this election," the Jana Sena chief said.  

Ali has come out in the open to talk about the issue.  In a video message, the comedian said that Pawan must have been prodded to speak that way by his advisers.  "I wouldn't have given a rebuttal to Pawan Kalyan sir's comments had he made them in any place other than Rajahmundry.  I have done so much social service here in memory of my father," Ali began saying.

"Pawan sir, you followed in the path laid down by Chiranjeevi garu.  As for me, I laid down my own path.  As a child, I migrated to Chennai in search of livelihood.  It's because of my own effort that I have reached this position.  I never sought any help from anybody in my life.  I helped others rather," Ali said.

"I have never spoken a single word against Jana Sena till now.  Let me ask a straight question to you, sir.  When you started the Jana Sena office building in Hyderabad, I came there and wholeheartedly presented to you a copy of the Quran.  I wished that you will grow in politics just as you became a star in cinema.  I will always be the first one to wish good for you," Ali said.

Getting mildly emotional, Ali said, "When did you help me in the industry, sir?  Did you recommend me for movies?  Did you ever give me monetary help?  Even before you started out as an actor, I was a known name in films.  Even if I were to be in a pathetic condition, I will rather prefer to die of hunger.  I will never seek alms from anyone.  It hurt me so much, sir, when you said that you helped me."

"What is wrong if I joined YSRCP, sir?  Is it unconstitutional?  Did I ever say a word against you?  I never requested you to give a ticket to my relative (who is contesting from Nararaopet).  You never asked me to join your party.  Did you ever invite me?" Ali asked.