The 55-year-old actor-turned-politician secured victory from the Pithapuram Assembly constituency in the recent elections.
Jana Sena Party (JSP) leader Konidela Pawan Kalyan will serve as the deputy chief minister of Andhra Pradesh, following the allocation of portfolios by the N Chandrababu Naidu government on Friday.
In addition to his role as deputy chief minister, Pawan Kalyan will also take charge as the minister for Panchayati Raj and Rural Development. He will oversee additional portfolios, including Environment and Forests, and Science and Technology.
The 55-year-old actor-turned-politician emerged victorious from the Pithapuram Assembly constituency in the recently concluded elections.
Earlier in the day, Kalyan’s social media account on X hinted at the announcement, as a post addressing him as the deputy chief minister was reposted.
A Jana Sena leader told The Indian Express, “We were hopeful that he would be recognized for his efforts leading up to the elections.”
Pawan Kalyan is credited with facilitating the alliance between the BJP and the Telugu Desam Party prior to the elections. A TDP insider commented, “Pawan Kalyan was the only candidate suitable for the deputy chief minister position.”
Jana Sena sources indicated that Pawan Kalyan is pleased with the Panchayat Raj and Rural Development portfolio. He had previously expressed a desire to implement “gram swaraj” (village self-governance) in Andhra Pradesh. Additionally, Kalyan personally requested the Environment and Forests portfolio to combat red sand smuggling and reduce human-animal conflict in the state, the sources added.
