📷 Image Credits: The Indian Express
Actor-turned-politician Pawan Kalyan has been appointed as the Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh under the leadership of N Chandrababu Naidu’s government. This announcement comes as Naidu allocates portfolios to his ministers on Friday. Kalyan, who is the chief of Jana Sena Party (JSP), will also hold key ministerial positions including Panchayati Raj, Rural Development, Environment, Forests, and Science and Technology in the state cabinet. The 55-year-old political figure recently secured a win from the Pithapuram Assembly constituency in the state’s elections, making his mark in the political landscape.
Known for his efforts in bringing together the BJP and Telugu Desam Party for a pre-poll alliance, Pawan Kalyan has been a crucial player in the political arena. According to sources, Kalyan’s focus on ‘gram swaraj’ or village self-governance is reflected in his interest in the Panchayat Raj and Rural Development portfolio. Additionally, his personal request for the Environment and Forests ministry shows his dedication to addressing issues like red sand smuggling and human-animal conflicts in Andhra Pradesh.
The Deputy CM position is a significant step for Kalyan and his party, highlighting the impact of his role in the alliance that swept to power in the recent assembly elections. With the TDP-Janasena-BJP alliance securing a majority in the polls, Kalyan’s appointment as the Deputy CM further solidifies his position in the state’s governance. As India competes in the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup 2024, Andhra Pradesh sees a new cabinet take shape under the leadership of Pawan Kalyan and CM Naidu, ushering in a new era in state politics.
