As previously noted in these columns, Telugu Desam Party president and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu appears to be relying heavily on bureaucrats and officials for governance, while sidelining his own party legislators.
Several MLAs from the ruling party have now begun voicing their frustration more openly over the increasing dominance of bureaucrats over elected representatives.
These MLAs have submitted a formal complaint to State Assembly Speaker Ch Ayyanna Patrudu, stating that bureaucrats are treating them with disregard and that they are often forced to wait for hours just to meet certain officials. In response, the Speaker has written to the government, urging it to address the issue.
The complaints indicate that in many districts, public representatives are struggling to convey local concerns to officials due to limited access. Some officials are reportedly refusing to allocate time to meet with MLAs.
Moreover, requests and appeals made to ministers or senior bureaucrats regarding public grievances are often being ignored, with some receiving no response at all.
On May 9, Chief Secretary Vijay Anand issued a memo instructing all district collectors and key officials to strictly follow protocol and governance norms. The memo warned of serious consequences for non-compliance.
An IAS officer reportedly remarked that while formal procedures for engaging with MPs, MLAs, and MLCs have long existed, the current issues stem from a lack of adherence by some officials.
There is also growing concern within bureaucratic circles that even some senior IAS officers at the state level are disregarding ministers for various reasons, deepening the disconnect between the administration and elected representatives.
