Andhra Pradesh cabinet approves key decisions amid Pawan Kalyan’s absence

The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet, led by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, held a crucial meeting on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at the State Secretariat in Amaravati, focusing on a range of significant policy decisions. However, the session also drew attention due to the mid-meeting departure of Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, who left for Hyderabad citing a personal emergency.

Key decisions

The Cabinet cleared several important proposals aligned with the NDA government’s promises and developmental agenda:

Amaravati Land Allocation: The Cabinet endorsed additional land pooling for Amaravati’s development. An estimated 44,000 more acres will be allocated, reinforcing the capital’s infrastructure revival and the NDA’s stance on Amaravati as the sole capital of Andhra Pradesh.

Education and Employment: Amendments to regulate teacher transfers were passed, along with a proposal to fill 16,347 teacher positions through the upcoming Mega DSC notification. This is part of the broader plan to strengthen the public education system.

Energy and Welfare: Plans to set up renewable energy projects in Anantapur and Sri Sathya Sai districts were approved. Additionally, the government sanctioned free electricity of up to 200 units for weaver households and 500 units for looms, benefiting the state’s weaving sector.

Higher Education Expansion: Vignan’s VIT University in Namburu received approval to become a private university, aiming to boost higher education infrastructure in the region.

Pawan Kalyan’s absence

Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, who oversees Panchayat Raj, Rural Development, Environment, Forest, and Science & Technology, attended the meeting briefly but left early for Hyderabad. Reports indicate his visit was due to concerns regarding his mother Anjana Devi’s health. Family sources later clarified that her condition was not serious and that she is recovering well.

While his unexpected departure sparked political chatter, supporters defended his decision, citing the personal nature of the emergency.

Political context

Pawan Kalyan has played a visible role in recent Cabinet activities, particularly advocating for stronger measures against online abuse targeting NDA leaders. His absence during this session led to speculation over his priorities. Nonetheless, Chief Minister Naidu emphasized that the government remains focused on delivering key promises, including free bus travel for women, scrapping the Land Titling Act, and raising pensions for the elderly to Rs 4,000 per month.

The Cabinet’s latest resolutions highlight the NDA government’s push for welfare and capital development, even as unexpected developments, a dynamic layer to Andhra Pradesh’s political landscape. The focus now shifts to the timely implementation of these decisions and how the coalition manages key responsibilities moving forward.