Actor-turned-politician Pawan Kalyan has officially taken charge as the Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, marking a significant transition in his political career. Kalyan, who represents the Pithapuram assembly constituency, was appointed to handle crucial portfolios including panchayat raj and rural development, rural water supply, environment and forests, and science and technology.
The ceremony, held in Vijayawada, was accompanied by traditional Vedic chants, adding a ceremonial touch to Kalyan’s new responsibilities. Several leaders from his party, Janasena, along with other well-wishers, congratulated him on assuming office.
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu assigned these key departments to Kalyan earlier in the week, highlighting the trust placed in him for driving development in these sectors. Despite being a first-time minister, Kalyan’s popularity and electoral success have positioned him as a crucial figure in Andhra Pradesh’s political landscape.
Kalyan’s victory in the Pithapuram assembly seat against his rival from the YSR Congress Party showcased his growing influence among voters. He secured a significant margin of over 70,000 votes, underscoring his strong support base.
In the recent state polls held on May 13, the Janasena Party, in alliance with the TDP and BJP as part of the NDA, achieved a remarkable success rate, winning all 21 assembly seats and two Lok Sabha seats contested. This collaborative effort resulted in a substantial victory, with the coalition securing 164 seats out of 175 in the assembly.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had previously lauded Kalyan’s impact in the political arena, describing him as a “storm” during an event on June 7. Despite initial reservations due to his busy acting schedule, Kalyan ultimately decided to join the cabinet, driven by a sense of responsibility towards fulfilling election promises.
Sources By Agencies