Despite the clarification given by the Telugu Desam Party on its official social media handle that there is no move to reshuffle the Chandrababu Naidu cabinet in the near future, speculations continue to do rounds on social media circles and aspirants in the TDP who believe they have a strong chance of being inducted continue to do lobbying.
According to latest speculations, senior leaders and present state assembly speaker Ch Ayyanna Patrudu has started lobbying for a berth in the Naidu cabinet, as he is not happy with his present posting.
Ayyanna is learnt to have told Naidu that since the YSRCP members of the state assembly are not coming to the House, he is not able to enjoy the Speaker’s post.
“If the YSRCP MLAs are present in the assembly, there would have been some spice in the House and I would have got a chance to take on them. But now, the “mazaa” is not there in my position,” he reportedly told Naidu.
He is learnt to have explained to Naidu that he would be in a position to launch an attack on the YSRCP if he becomes a cabinet minister, as he used to do when he was in the opposition.
Apparently, Naidu is looking for a strong leader in his cabinet to target Jagan, as there is a perception that the current ministers have failed to strongly corner Jagan.
Even during controversial incidents, such as the death of a person allegedly run over by Jagan’s car, no minister responded strongly.
“Whereas Ayyanna, had he not been in a constitutional post, would have spoken out loudly. When TDP was in opposition, Ayyanna Patrudu was known for boldly confronting the then YSRCP government, even when he was targeted by them. His fiery criticism of Jagan’s administration gained attention across both Telugu-speaking states,” a party source said.
While many expected Ayyanna Patrudu to be appointed a minister after the TDP-led alliance came to power, he was instead made the Speaker—leading some to believe his vocal and aggressive political style was being muted.
Amid growing speculation about a cabinet reshuffle, there are strong rumors in TDP political circles that Ayyanna may be brought into the cabinet. His unwavering dedication to the party and proven record as a fighter have inspired confidence among the cadre.
Considering all these factors, Ayyanna Patrudu is being viewed as the first choice if a cabinet expansion takes place. TDP leaders and cadre are reportedly backing his induction.
