The unusual delay in inducting Jana Sena Party leader and newly-elected MLC Konidela Nagababu into the Chandrababu Naidu cabinet in Andhra Pradesh is leading to a lot of speculations in the political circles in the state.
Though the chief minister had earlier announced that Nagababu would be given a ministerial berth and appointed him as an MLC, his induction has been stalled for months.
Initially, Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan supported Nagababu's inclusion, but there appears to be a change in the dynamics.
According to reports, the Bharatiya Janata Party is said to be stalling his entry into the Naidu cabinet as it wants one more berth for its MLA. This has led to a dilemma in the coalition, as there is only one vacancy in the state cabinet.
If Naidu wants to accommodate one more BJP minister, he has to drop one of his own party ministers, which he is not willing to do for now, as it would result in disturbance within the TDP.
So, if Naidu has to give one more berth to the BJP in his cabinet, the scapegoat will automatically be Nagababu. This is perhaps said to be the reason for the delay.
The latest speculation in the state politics is that Jana Sena might secure a berth in the upcoming Union cabinet expansion, as a compensation for denying state cabinet berth to Nagababu.
Now, who will get the berth from Jana Sena in the Central cabinet?
The party has two MPs – Vallabhaneni Balashowry from Machilipatnam and Tangella Udaya Srinivas from Kakinada. In all probability, Pawan might recommend Balashowry’s name in view of his seniority and experience.
There is also a talk that Pawan Kalyan might suggest Nagababu’s name for the Union cabinet berth and later get him a Rajya Sabha nomination early next year.
“Pawan Kalyan is reportedly inclined to leave the final decision to Chandrababu Naidu, preferring not to pressure the coalition over Nagababu’s appointment,” sources said.
