Jana Sena Party president and Andhra Pradesh deputy chief minister Pawan Kalyan appears to be fast emerging as a pressure force within the ruling coalition in the state, putting chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu and his Telugu Desam Party (TDP) colleagues on the defensive.
According to sources, Pawan Kalyan, who is slowly understanding the nuances of the administration, is using cabinet forums to call out the governance lapses and political misconduct that come to his notice.
It was evident at Monday’s cabinet meeting, where Pawan Kalyan reportedly rebuked several MLAs for interfering in people’s private and property disputes, intimidating citizens, and preventing settlements even when both sides were willing to compromise.
“Some legislators are behaving like arbitrators and musclemen in civil disputes,” Pawan Kalyan reportedly said, in a closed-door discussion after the officials left the cabinet meeting hall.
The Jana Sena chief is said to have told the meeting that he had already warned one MLA directly to correct his behaviour.
He urged the chief minister to act tough against errant legislators, irrespective of their party affiliation within the alliance.
According to sources, the comments created visible unease among a few TDP ministers, as Pawan’s remarks touched on an open secret — the misuse of political clout in revenue and land-related matters.
He also demanded that collectors and SPs be directed not to ignore complaints against legislators.
“Nearly 60 to 70 per cent of petitions I receive are related to revenue disputes,” Pawan Kalyan said, cautioning that public confidence would erode if the government appeared soft on wrongdoing.
“If the government fails to respond in property matters, it risks losing credibility among citizens,” he added.
A visibly embarrassed chief minister acknowledged the deputy CM’s concern but cleverly shifted responsibility to the bureaucracy.
Naidu remarked that “it is the duty of in-charge ministers to bring erring MLAs back on track” and warned that public anger could hurt electoral prospects.
“Those who won by 50,000 votes last time may not even get 10,000 next time if they don’t change their ways,” he said.
Pawan Kalyan also made another pointed remark — accusing some officials of “distorting the meaning of political governance.”
He complained that citizens were being told even minor works would be done only on the recommendation of local MLAs or ruling party leaders.
“This is breeding resentment among the people,” he said.
Analysts say Pawan Kalyan seems to have decided to assert moral authority within the coalition, pushing an agenda of accountability even at the risk of embarrassing allies.
Since joining the cabinet, he has repeatedly drawn attention to governance issues, including bureaucratic favouritism and corruption in lower administration.
With Pawan increasingly setting the tone on issues of governance and integrity, the Jana Sena is no longer just a junior partner — it is becoming the conscience-keeper, and sometimes the irritant, within the Naidu cabinet, said an analyst.
