Pawan Kalyan, Naidu hold two-hour closed-door meeting

Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan meeting Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu at the latter’s residence at Undavalli near Vijayawada on Monday.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

After flagging security lapses in the Kakinada port two days ago, Deputy Chief Minister (Panchayat Raj and Rural Development) Pawan Kalyan met Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu at the latter’s residence at Undavalli near here on Monday. The meeting lasted more than two hours. However, the details have not been made public.

It is learnt that Mr. Pawan Kalyan explained the illegal export of Public Distribution System (PDS) rice from the Kakinada port, and the security lapses there. He reportedly explained that the port had become a major hub for rice smuggling and that a large network had been operating across the State to carry out the illegal rice trade. He also shared his experience of being obstructed during his visit to the port, along with other related incidents.

The Deputy Chief Minister is said to have stressed the need for the formation of a Task Force Committee to curb the illegal transportation of PDS rice etc.  The duo discussed the necessity of appointing an IPS-level officer to supervise the operations at the Kakinada port.

Mr. Naidu and Mr. Pawan Kalyan also discussed the latest political developments and the selection of candidates for the Rajya Sabha. The discussions also reportedly covered social media cases and issues related to nominated posts. Also, the Deputy Chief Minister is said to have shared details of his recent visit to Delhi with Mr. Naidu.