After a brief lull, speculation around a cabinet reshuffle and expansion in Andhra Pradesh under Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has resurfaced.
According to the latest reports, Naidu is likely to induct Jana Sena MLC Konidela Nagababu — elder brother of Deputy CM and Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan — into the cabinet within the next couple of weeks.
Naidu had previously announced Nagababu’s inclusion and now appears ready to fulfill that promise.
However, the main hurdle delaying the expansion is pressure from the BJP high command, which is pushing for a second cabinet berth.
Currently, the cabinet includes three Jana Sena ministers — Pawan Kalyan, Nadendla Manohar, and Kandula Durgesh — and just one BJP minister, Y Satya Kumar.
With the BJP holding eight MLAs and two Rajya Sabha seats, they are demanding greater representation.
Under the rules, only one cabinet berth remains vacant. To accommodate both Nagababu and a second BJP minister, Naidu may need to drop up to three existing ministers.
The reshuffle is expected to align with the upcoming TDP Mahanadu in Kadapa and the one-year anniversary of the current government on June 12.
The BJP is reportedly considering a nominee from Uttarandhra to balance social representation. With Nagababu’s induction, Jana Sena would hold four cabinet posts.
Sources also suggest Naidu is dissatisfied with the performance of some current ministers. Despite repeated instructions in cabinet meetings, he has seen little improvement.
There are also complaints regarding the conduct of a few ministers. In recent lunch meetings, Naidu is said to have warned ministers that underperformance could result in dismissal.
Ministers from the Godavari region, Uttarandhra, and coastal districts are reportedly under scrutiny, with three likely to be dropped.
All eyes are now on how Naidu will shape his cabinet in the coming weeks.
