Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader N Chandrababu Naidu was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday, marking his fourth term in office. This remarkable political comeback comes just months after his arrest in a money laundering case. The swearing-in ceremony in Vijayawada saw the presence of key political figures, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and popular actors like Rajinikanth and Chiranjeevi.
Naidu’s arrest had been linked to an alleged skill development scam, but following his release on bail, he successfully led the TDP to a resounding victory in the state assembly elections. The TDP, in alliance with the BJP and Jana Sena Party, secured a dominant win, making this a significant triumph for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Andhra Pradesh.
The ceremony also saw Jana Sena Party chief Pawan Kalyan, known as ‘Power Star,’ taking oath as a Cabinet Minister. Alongside Kalyan, 23 others were sworn in, including Naidu’s son Nara Lokesh. The Jana Sena was allocated three Cabinet positions, and Satya Kumar Yadav became the sole BJP leader in the Andhra Pradesh Cabinet. The state assembly, with a capacity of 26 ministers including the Chief Minister, saw a notable presence of the TDP and its allies.
The 2024 Andhra Pradesh assembly elections resulted in a landslide victory for the NDA, which captured 164 out of the 175 seats. The TDP alone won 135 seats, while Pawan Kalyan’s Jana Sena secured 21 seats, and the BJP took eight. The ruling YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), led by Jagan Mohan Reddy, was significantly reduced to just 11 seats.
In a meeting held on Tuesday, the Telugu Desam Legislature Party and NDA partners formally elected Naidu as their leader. Addressing the legislators, Naidu emphasized his commitment to developing Amaravati as the sole capital of Andhra Pradesh. This statement underlined his dedication to the state’s development and the strategic vision he intends to pursue during his term.
The oath-taking ceremony was a high-profile event, with the presence of several prominent leaders and celebrities underscoring the significance of Naidu’s political resurgence. The participation of stars like Rajinikanth and Chiranjeevi highlighted the intersection of politics and entertainment in the region, further elevating the event’s profile.
Naidu’s return to power marks a critical juncture for Andhra Pradesh, promising a new phase of governance and development under his leadership. The overwhelming support for the NDA in the state assembly elections reflects the electorate’s confidence in Naidu and his allies to steer Andhra Pradesh towards growth and stability.
