(Image source from: x.com/JanaSenaParty)

During the swearing-in ceremony of Delhi's new Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was in a cheerful mood, warmly acknowledging the presence of all NDA allies. He engaged in friendly conversation with Eknath Shinde, the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra, and enjoyed a lighthearted interaction with Andhra Pradesh’s Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. Nevertheless, it was Modi's playful exchange with Andhra's deputy chief minister, Pawan Kalyan, that drew media attention. When asked about their conversation, Kalyan, who is both an actor and politician, shared, "The prime minister always has a sense of humor with me. Today, he saw what I was wearing and jokingly asked if I was planning to leave for the Himalayas."

Hon'ble Dep. Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Sri @PawanKalyan wishing Hon'ble Prime Minister of India Sri @narendramodi at Swearing-in ceremony of New Government in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/MOQbrJkbFb

— JanaSena Shatagni (@JSPShatagniTeam) February 20, 2025

Kalyan, known for his simple cotton garments and a spiritual lifestyle as part of his Deeksha, quickly reassured Modi that he wasn’t planning to depart anytime soon. "There's still much to accomplish," he responded with a grin, remarking that the Himalayas would have to wait. Recently, Kalyan has been on a spiritual journey, visiting various temples throughout South India and receiving blessings at the Maha Kumbh. On Thursday, Rekha Gupta, a first-time BJP legislator, took her oath of office as the Delhi chief minister in a grand display of power, signaling the party's resurgence in the city after over a quarter-century. Along with Gupta, others including Parvesh Verma, Ashish Sood, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, Kapil Mishra, Ravinder Indraj Singh, and Pankaj Singh also received their oaths from Lt Governor VK Saxena. The historic Ramlila Ground hosted the ceremony, attended by Prime Minister Modi, senior BJP leaders, and other NDA representatives. Gupta stands out as the fourth woman to take on the chief ministerial role in Delhi and is the only female member within the NDA's group of chief ministers.

AP Deputy CM Sri @PawanKalyan Garu talking to media about the conversation with Hon'ble PM Sri @narendramodi Garu.pic.twitter.com/tNkhTftMDF

— JanaSena Shatagni (@JSPShatagniTeam) February 20, 2025