For the last few days, a section of media has been circulating speculation over the possibility of Telugu Desam Party president and Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu entering national politics and even becoming deputy Prime Minister of the country.
Recent discussions gained traction following reports that Bihar’s long-serving chief minister Nitish Kumar might move from state politics to play a larger role in national politics. This led to a political discussion in Andhra Pradesh.
Amid the speculation, YSR Congress party president and former chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy reacted with sarcasm during a press conference held on Wednesday to the possibility of Naidu becoming the Prime Minister.
When a journalist asked him about the rumours that Chandrababu Naidu could move to national politics and possibly become the Deputy Prime Minister, Jagan responded in his trademark style.
“Chandrababu as Deputy Prime Minister? Who said that, sir? That’s quite something. The people of the state themselves are unable to tolerate him as chief minister. How will the people of the country accept him as Deputy Prime Minister?” Jagan remarked, taking a swipe at the TDP chief.
Jagan also criticised the recent 16-day Andhra Pradesh assembly session, alleging that the proceedings were focused more on political theatrics than on public welfare.
He said Naidu was busy “lifting up” his son and TDP general secretary Nara Lokesh, while Lokesh was doing the same for his father.
According to Jagan, deputy chief minister Pawan Kalyan was also supporting both of them politically, but nothing meaningful was achieved for the people.
Interestingly, YSRCP leaders themselves have fuelled the debate with their own comments. Former minister Perni Nani recently claimed that Chandrababu Naidu might shift to national politics after Ugadi and that Nara Lokesh could take over as chief minister of Andhra Pradesh.
He even alleged that discussions regarding this possibility had already taken place between Chandrababu Naidu and Pawan Kalyan.
On the other hand, YSRCP MLC Thota Trimurthulu demanded that if Naidu were to move to national politics, Pawan Kalyan should be made the chief minister instead of Lokesh.
He warned that members of the Kapu community would not accept Lokesh becoming chief minister.
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