Naidu Credits Pawan Kalyan for Rural Development Push

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has openly praised Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan for his role in driving rural development initiatives in Andhra Pradesh. The remarks come as the ruling coalition navigates internal negotiations over seat-sharing for the upcoming local body elections.

Speaking at the launch of Palle Panduga 3.0 in Nellore district, Naidu described Pawan Kalyan as the key force behind the government's rural agenda. He highlighted Pawan's leadership in the Panchayat Raj Department, noting that the third phase of the Palle Panduga programme was being implemented under his direction. Naidu said Pawan's work in the villages was marked by an "activist spirit" and publicly congratulated him for his efforts.

Naidu also credited Pawan Kalyan with transforming rural areas and "leaving his mark" on development under the coalition government. He pointed to the simultaneous conduct of gram sabhas across all 13,326 gram panchayats as an example of the Panchayat Raj leadership's impact. According to Naidu, the coalition is delivering on its promises at "jet speed".

The unusually strong praise comes at a sensitive time for the alliance, as the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Jana Sena Party (JSP), and BJP work to finalise how local body seats will be distributed. While the TDP remains the largest partner, Jana Sena leaders have insisted that the formula used for the 2024 Assembly elections should not automatically apply to the local polls. They argue that their party should contest in areas where it has a strong organisational base.

Pawan Kalyan, speaking at a party meeting, said he had made significant sacrifices in the previous Assembly elections to ensure the NDA's victory. He emphasised that the JSP would seek opportunities for its grassroots cadre in the upcoming local elections, especially in regions where the party is well established.

This situation has placed pressure on the TDP to accommodate its partners while maintaining unity. Naidu has recently called on the alliance to strengthen coordination among the three parties and ensure the success of their candidates.

Jana Sena's position on seat-sharing remains firm, and the alliance has yet to announce a final formula. The order does not amount to a resolution of the seat-sharing issue; discussions are ongoing as the local body polls approach.

The move assumes significance as it signals the importance of coalition unity ahead of the local elections, with Naidu's public praise seen as an effort to keep the alliance intact.