Andhra Jyothy Managing Director V. Radhakrishna, in his weekly column “Kotha Paluku” on Sunday, raised an interesting and pertinent point regarding the current political scenario in Andhra Pradesh.
He pointed out that the post of “Deputy Chief Minister” does not exist in the Constitution of India. It is merely an honorary designation without any additional privileges compared to other cabinet members.
In any state government, the Chief Minister is the supreme authority, and no one, including the so-called Deputy Chief Minister, can bypass their directives, take independent decisions, or make announcements that might cause embarrassment without the Chief Minister's knowledge.
However, in Andhra Pradesh, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan appears to believe that he is the second-in-command in the government.
He seems to think he can take independent decisions and make statements, even at the risk of putting Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu in a difficult position.
His open criticism, including remarks about Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha and issues surrounding the Tirupati incident, has put the government under pressure.
Pawan’s approach seems calculated. While he continues to praise Naidu’s leadership, he simultaneously highlights governance lapses.
For instance, his demands for accountability and swift action in response to administrative missteps reflect an attempt to portray himself as both independent and proactive.
His criticism of Home Minister Anitha, his outrage over police inaction concerning objectionable social media posts, and his surprise visit to Kakinada Port to seize a ship allegedly transporting PDS rice illegally, all underline his proactive stance.
By addressing governance failures in public forums rather than private meetings, Pawan has sparked debates within the TDP.
His decision to fly to Tirupati following the recent stampede incident, even while Naidu was present and reviewing the situation, caused significant embarrassment to the TDP.
“This has led to public perception that Pawan Kalyan is acting as CM No. 2 rather than a cabinet minister. It appears he has the freedom to act independently and make any statement he wishes. Such behavior does not bode well for a coalition government,” an analyst observed.
Pawan’s strategic maneuvering seems aimed at positioning himself as a leader who is vigilant about governance issues while distancing himself from potential failures.
This dual approach is evident in his criticism of the administration and his calls for systemic reforms, which he deems essential for public welfare.
TDP leaders, however, view Pawan’s tactics as detrimental, arguing that his public remarks undermine the government’s credibility.
Analysts suggest that Pawan’s methods are part of a broader strategy to consolidate his political image and prepare for future electoral contests.