The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national leadership has been making efforts to keep its alliance partners in the NDA content by accommodating their demands and offering them prominent posts and positions.
With assembly elections approaching in Bihar, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, strategic moves are underway to appease allies. The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has already secured two Cabinet berths at the Centre.
The latest development — the appointment of veteran TDP leader and former Union Minister P. Ashok Gajapathi Raju as Governor of Goa — is seen as part of this effort.
It also fulfils a long-pending promise made during the 2014–2018 NDA term, which had not been honoured until now.
As part of ongoing discussions, there is talk that the BJP leadership is planning to grant the TDP another Governor post, along with appointments to key positions in central government bodies. Another senior TDP leader is reportedly almost certain to be named Governor.
The question now is who Chandrababu Naidu will nominate for the second Governor position.
Ashok Gajapathi Raju’s appointment was facilitated by several factors — his long-standing association with the party since its inception, his non-controversial image, and the absence of any Cabinet representation from his group. Being a leader from Uttarandhra, he now serves as Governor.
There is speculation that the second Governor post might go to a BC or SC leader. While senior leader Yanamala Ramakrishnudu is considered a strong contender, he is more likely to be nominated for a Rajya Sabha seat.
This has led to reports that the second Governor position could be given to a BC leader from Rayalaseema. According to sources, the name of senior leader and former minister K E Krishnamurthy is being discussed within the party.
A seasoned politician who worked closely with Chandrababu Naidu in both the Congress and the TDP, Krishnamurthy served as Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh between 2014 and 2019.
Although his son won the MLA seat from Pattikonda in 2024, Krishnamurthy himself is currently not active in politics. Sources indicate that Chandrababu is considering him for the Governor role to ensure representation for the BC community.
TDP leaders from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are also expected to be appointed to significant national-level positions.
According to sources in Delhi, the BJP has asked the TDP to submit a list of names, suggesting that key appointments are on the horizon.
