Pawan Kalyan Announced Deputy CM of Andhra Pradesh

Janasena chief Pawan Kalyan was named the Deputy Chief Minister in a highly-anticipated move by the Andhra Pradesh government on June 14. The actor-turned-politician has also been allocated the Panchayat Raj and Rural Development, Environment, Forests, and Science and Technology portfolios in the Chandrababu Naidu-led government.

About Pawan Kalyan

Konidela Pawan Kalyan (2 September 1968) is an Indian politician, actor, martial artist, and founder of the Jana Sena Party. Primarily working in Telugu cinema, he is known for his unique acting style and mannerisms. He has a large fan base and a cult following and is one of the highest-paid actors of Indian cinema. He has been featured in Forbes India‘s Celebrity 100 list multiple times since 2013. Kalyan is the recipient of a Filmfare Award South and a SIIMA Award among other accolades. He is also currently serving as the Minister of Panchayat Raj and Rural Development, Environment, Forests, and Science and Technologies. The 55-year-old actor-turned politician won from Pithapuram Assembly constituency in the recently concluded elections.

Post of Deputy Chief Minister:

Article 163(1) of the Constitution says “there shall be a Council of Ministers with the Chief Minister at the head to aid and advise the Governor in the exercise of his functions”. Neither Article 163 nor Article 164 (“Other provisions as to Ministers”), sub clause (1) of which says “the Chief Minister shall be appointed by the Governor and the other Ministers shall be appointed by the Governor on the advice of the Chief Minister”, mentions a Deputy Chief Minister. The post of Deputy CM is understood as being equivalent in rank to that of Cabinet Minister (in the state). The Deputy CM enjoys the same pay and perks as a Cabinet Minister.