After the Telugu Desam Party-led National Democratic Alliance came to power with a massive majority in Andhra Pradesh, there were concerns about whether TDP president N. Chandrababu Naidu would give any importance to his alliance partners—the Jana Sena Party and the Bharatiya Janata Party.
The TDP secured more than a three-fourths majority on its own, winning 135 out of 144 assembly seats it contested, without having to rely on the Jana Sena Party, which won all 21 seats it contested, and the BJP, which won 8 out of 10 seats it contested.
Those familiar with Naidu’s past reputation as a man who never trusted anyone suspected that he might not support his alliance partners. Given his past “use and discard” approach, there were fears that Naidu might eventually ditch his allies, especially Pawan Kalyan.
However, so far, Naidu has not given any such impression to political observers. From the day of the election victory, he has shown considerable importance to Pawan Kalyan, even if not as much to BJP members.
At the first NDA meeting, Naidu spoke highly of Pawan Kalyan and his contribution to the NDA's victory in the elections.
Pawan Kalyan, in turn, showed the utmost respect for Naidu, addressing him as "sir," hugging him, and even making Naidu emotional with his praise.
In appreciation, Naidu granted Pawan Kalyan the status of Deputy Chief Minister and ensured the provision of bulletproof vehicles and high protocol facilities for him at all official functions.
Naidu also arranged for a large chamber for Pawan Kalyan in Block-2 of the Secretariat. The two other Jana Sena Party ministers also received chambers in the same block.
On Tuesday, when Pawan Kalyan visited Naidu’s chamber in Block-1, the Chief Minister gave him a warm welcome. They hugged and had a hearty discussion, apparently about issues such as the Deputy Speaker post and upcoming nominated positions.
“In all probability, Naidu will accommodate most of Pawan’s requests. He wants to thwart the YSRCP leaders who are hoping for disagreements to arise between him and Pawan Kalyan,” sources said.