After a gap of more than two months, Jana Sena Party chief and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan attended the state cabinet meeting at the Secretariat in Amaravati on Wednesday, putting to rest speculation about differences between him and Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu.
Pawan Kalyan’s recent absence from several cabinet meetings and some major government programmes attended by Naidu had triggered discussion in political circles about a possible widening gap between the two leaders.
His presence at Wednesday’s cabinet meeting, after a considerable gap, and his cordial interaction with Naidu have now helped ease those speculations.
The Chief Minister’s Office released pictures of Pawan Kalyan and Naidu laughing, shaking hands and walking together into the cabinet room, seemingly aimed at countering rumours of differences between them.
Pawan arrived at the Secretariat to attend the cabinet meeting and walked into the venue along with Naidu. The two leaders were seen engaged in a pleasant conversation as they proceeded towards the cabinet chamber.
Sources said Naidu enquired about Pawan Kalyan’s health and other matters during their interaction.
Pawan had recently travelled to Mumbai and Kerala for a series of medical consultations and treatment. He had also spent the past two days in Pithapuram before returning to Amaravati for the cabinet meeting.
Pawan’s participation also comes amid increased political activity over the upcoming local body elections.
His recent comments on Jana Sena’s participation in the elections, coupled with his earlier absence from cabinet meetings, had led to renewed speculation about the functioning of the coalition government.
