Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan is currently recuperating after undergoing spinal surgery, prompted by continuous campaigning and work-related stress. Union Minister for Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs Pralhad Joshi personally called Pawan Kalyan on Tuesday morning to enquire about his health and wish him a swift recovery.

What Joshi Told Pawan Kalyan

During the phone call, Joshi urged the Deputy Chief Minister to prioritise rest and follow his doctors' advice. 'I will meet you when I visit Andhra Pradesh. Health is wealth. Please focus on your health first. If you remain healthy, you will be able to continue serving people even more effectively. Therefore, take adequate rest as advised by doctors,' Joshi said.

Joshi also conveyed that he would offer prayers for Pawan Kalyan's speedy recovery at the Tirupati Balaji temple, underscoring the personal warmth behind the gesture.

Background on Pawan Kalyan's Surgery

The Jana Sena Party chief and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister underwent spinal surgery a few days ago following sustained physical strain from relentless public engagements. Doctors have advised him to rest and avoid strenuous activity during the recovery period. The surgery has temporarily sidelined one of the coalition government's most prominent faces in Andhra Pradesh.

Joshi's Sharp Attack on Karnataka Government

Separately, Joshi trained his guns on the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah-led Congress government in Karnataka, criticising it for organising what he described as a 'government achievement convention' at a time when citizens were reportedly grappling with rising prices and economic hardship.

'Is holding an achievement convention the government's accomplishment after burdening people with price rise and pushing the state towards zero development?' Joshi questioned in a statement.

He accused the Karnataka government of being among the most 'irresponsible and financially bankrupt' administrations in the state's history, alleging that public funds were being diverted to political celebrations.

Welfare Promises vs Ground Reality, Joshi Alleges

The Union Minister alleged that the Congress government had come to power on the back of guarantee schemes but had, over the past three years, steadily raised prices of essential services and commodities. 'The Congress came to power promising guarantee schemes, but over the last three years it has continuously increased the prices of essential services and commodities, effectively emptying people's pockets,' he charged.

Joshi further alleged that payments under the Gruha Lakshmi scheme — designed to benefit women beneficiaries — had suddenly stopped reaching bank accounts, accusing the government of failing to honour its commitments. He also claimed there was insufficient funding for hospitals, schools, and public transport, even as the government celebrated its third anniversary in office.

With Pawan Kalyan on the mend and political temperatures rising in Karnataka, both storylines are likely to draw sustained attention in the days ahead.