Summary
N. Chandrababu Naidu was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh for the fourth time in a grand ceremony near Gannavaram Airport, Vijayawada, on June 12. The event, attended by prominent leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, also saw Janasena chief Pawan Kalyan and Naidu’s son Nara Lokesh taking oaths as ministers.
Naidu, who turned emotional during the ceremony, embraced Prime Minister Modi after being sworn in by Governor S. Abdul Nazeer. This return to office comes after Naidu walked out of the Assembly in 2021, vowing to return only as Chief Minister.
The new cabinet includes 24 ministers from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), with the TDP securing the majority of positions. The NDA alliance won 164 out of 175 Assembly constituencies in the recent elections, with the TDP taking 135 seats, Jana Sena 21, and BJP 8, leaving the YSR Congress Party with 11 seats.
Chandrababu Naidu Sworn in as Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister; Pawan Kalyan Takes Oath as Minister
Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh – In a significant political event, N. Chandrababu Naidu, the national president of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh for the fourth time on Wednesday, June 12. The ceremony, held near Gannavaram Airport in Kesarapalli on the outskirts of Vijayawada, was a grand affair attended by numerous political leaders, dignitaries, and celebrities.
A Star-Studded Ceremony
The swearing-in ceremony saw the attendance of prominent figures including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu, former Chief Justice of India N.V. Ramana, and film icons Rajinikanth and K. Chiranjeevi. Andhra Pradesh Governor S. Abdul Nazeer administered the oath to Naidu and other ministers.
Amid loud cheers from a massive gathering, the 74-year-old Naidu took the oath of office and secrecy in Telugu. Visibly emotional, he hugged Prime Minister Modi after the oath, marking a poignant moment in the ceremony. The Prime Minister presented Naidu with a bouquet as a congratulatory gesture.
Emotional Return
Naidu’s return to the Chief Minister’s office comes after a turbulent period in opposition. In 2021, he dramatically exited the Assembly, vowing not to return until he was once again the Chief Minister, following an incident where his wife was allegedly insulted by members of the YSR Congress Party. His return is seen as a moment of vindication by his supporters.
New Ministers Sworn In
Alongside Naidu, Janasena Party chief Pawan Kalyan and Naidu’s son, Nara Lokesh, were sworn in as ministers in the new cabinet. Pawan Kalyan, upon taking the oath, sought blessings from his elder brother, megastar Chiranjeevi, in a touching display of familial respect. Nara Lokesh, the TDP general secretary, received blessings from his father, Prime Minister Modi, and the Governor.
A total of 24 ministers from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) were sworn in at the ceremony. This included TDP members K. Atchannaidu, P. Narayana, Kollu Ravindra, Nimmala Rama Naidu, Janasena member Nadendla Manohar, and BJP’s Satya Kumar Yadav. The cabinet composition reflects the coalition’s strength and diversity, with TDP securing 135 seats, Janasena 21 seats, and BJP 8 seats out of the 175-member Assembly.
Coalition and Assembly Strength
The NDA alliance, which includes TDP, Jana Sena, and BJP, achieved a commanding victory in the recent elections, winning 164 out of the 175 Assembly constituencies. The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), the main opposition, managed to secure only 11 seats. The cabinet is allowed a maximum of 26 ministers, including the Chief Minister, based on the strength of the Assembly.
Political Implications
Naidu’s swearing-in marks a significant shift in the political landscape of Andhra Pradesh. His leadership, backed by a strong coalition, is expected to bring stability and a focus on development initiatives. The inclusion of diverse voices from TDP, Jana Sena, and BJP in the cabinet suggests a collaborative approach to governance.
In his previous tenures, Naidu has been known for his focus on technological advancement and infrastructure development. As he steps into his fourth term, expectations are high for a continued push towards modernization and economic growth in the state.
The political dynamics in Andhra Pradesh will be closely watched in the coming months, as Naidu and his cabinet work to implement their vision and address the challenges facing the state.
The swearing-in ceremony of Chandrababu Naidu as the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, along with the induction of new ministers, marks a new chapter in the state’s political narrative. With a robust coalition and a clear mandate, the new government is poised to steer Andhra Pradesh towards a path of progress and development.
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