Published Jun 08, 2026 | 12:35 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 08, 2026 | 12:40 PM
Andhra Pradesh DyCM and Jana Sena Party chief Pawan Kalyan. (facebook.com/PawanKalyan)
Synopsis: Pawan’s ambition to emerge as the saffron face for the entire South is no secret. He is now set to openly pursue it. Vijay’s unexpected success in neighbouring TN too seems to have played a part in emboldening the Andhra Pradesh Deputy CM to be more assertive.
For the first time since forming the government in partnership with Telugu Desam and BJP in Andhra Pradesh in June 2024, Jana Sena founder and deputy chief minister Pawan Kalyan is seeking to carve out a distinct identity for himself and his party.
In a move that could make his allies and rivals wonder about his plans, Pawan Kalyan has decided to lead a large delegation of his party representatives to New Delhi. The delegation will include MPs, MLAs, MLCs and chairpersons of corporations.
Kalyan and his team will be in Delhi for three days beginning June 14. They are expected to meet leaders of almost all allies of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in what is being described as an attempt to establish a connect with the entire saffron grouping.
Clearly, Pawan Kalyan no longer desires to be under the shadow of his bigger partner, Telugu Desam, which has been quite active in the Delhi circuit through its MPs with Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu and his son, Minister Nara Lokesh, too often visiting the national capital ostensibly to discuss state issues.
Tired of “ritualistic meetings”
On June 8, The South First reported on how Kalyan has been unhappy with the way he and other Jana Sena ministers are being treated in the government. Pawan has often been skipping State Cabinet meetings as it has become a “ritual” with almost all decisions taken beforehand.
Interestingly, it was only a few days ago that Pawan spoke to some national television channels on a range of issues, particularly those relevant to South India. The interviews appeared synchronised and signalled an attempt to position himself beyond the state of Andhra Pradesh.
A week ago, Pawan tried to make a foray into Telangana politics but quickly backtracked in the face of stiff resistance from hardcore Telanganites who hit back at him, saying he has no “locus standi” in the new state.
Also Read: Pawan Kalyan would do well to bother about Andhra. He’s a non-entity in Telangana
Vijay factor
Pawan’s ambition to emerge as the saffron face for the entire South is no secret but many argue that he lacks the discipline and stamina to reach the goal. In fact, he has not focused enough on strengthening Jana Sena after it came to power. Perhaps, he now sees the threat of Jana Sena weakening further if the slide is not stopped.
The unexpected success of Vijay’s TVK in Tamil Nadu could also have possibly encouraged Pawan to look at positioning himself bigger than what he currently is.
According to sources, Pawan Kalyan is also eyeing a possible berth for the Jana Sena in the Union Cabinet in the reshuffle expected to happen soon. A minister of state position is the expectation.
The Telugu Desam has two ministers in the Union Cabinet, one with a Cabinet rank and the other a Minister of State.
