Actor-turned-politician Pawan Kalyan officially took charge as the Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday in Vijayawada. The oath-taking ceremony, held amidst Vedic chants, was attended by several prominent leaders and members of the Janasena Party, along with his supporters, who celebrated his ascension to this pivotal role in state politics.

Key Responsibilities  

Pawan Kalyan, a first-time minister representing the Pithapuram assembly constituency, has been entrusted with significant portfolios, including Panchayat Raj and Rural Development, Rural Water Supply, Environment and Forests, and Science and Technology. The departments were allocated by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu earlier this week.

As Deputy Chief Minister, Pawan Kalyan is expected to focus on strengthening rural infrastructure, advancing environmental policies, and fostering technological innovation in Andhra Pradesh. His first official task includes a series of review meetings with senior state officials to outline his roadmap.

Election Triumph  

Pawan Kalyan’s political journey reached a milestone with his victory in the Pithapuram assembly constituency, where he defeated YSR Congress Party’s Vanga Geetha by over 70,000 votes. The recent state elections, held on May 13 and announced on June 4, were a landmark for the Janasena Party, which achieved a 100% strike rate. The party won all 21 assembly seats and two Lok Sabha constituencies it contested.

The Janasena Party, in alliance with the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the BJP under the NDA, delivered a resounding victory, collectively winning 164 out of 175 seats. The TDP claimed 135 seats, the Janasena Party 21, and the BJP 8.

Support from Prime Minister Modi

Pawan Kalyan’s growing political influence garnered praise from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who, on June 7, described him as a political force to reckon with. “Pawan is not just a breeze; he is a storm,” Modi said, acknowledging his impact on Andhra Pradesh’s political landscape.

The decision to Join the Cabinet  

Initially reluctant to join the cabinet due to his acting commitments, Pawan Kalyan reconsidered, citing his responsibility to fulfill election promises as a driving factor. His decision was a commitment to bridging his party’s electoral mandate with effective governance.

The Rise of the Janasena Party  

Founded in March 2014, the Janasena Party has grown significantly under Pawan Kalyan’s leadership. Although the party did not contest in the 2014 elections, it played a crucial role as a political observer. In the 2024 elections, the party emerged as a critical player, resonating strongly with voters and establishing itself as a formidable force in Andhra Pradesh politics.

Looking Ahead

Pawan Kalyan’s new role as Deputy Chief Minister marks a turning point in his political career. As he takes charge of crucial portfolios, expectations are high for him to bring innovative solutions to rural development, environmental protection, and technological advancement in the state.

This milestone cements Pawan Kalyan’s transition from a charismatic film star to a dedicated political leader, with his supporters hopeful that his governance will mirror the promises he made during his campaign.