Epaper
The Telugu Desam Party, a key ally of the NDA at the Centre and in Andhra Pradesh, is likely to receive another significant constitutional post as the BJP leadership prepares for a major reshuffle of the Union Cabinet and Governor appointments in New Delhi.
According to political sources, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has begun holding separate meetings with Union ministers ahead of the anticipated reshuffle.
Several ministers are reportedly facing removal from the Cabinet, with some expected to be accommodated in party positions, while others may be appointed as Governors.
Sources said Andhra Pradesh is also expected to get another berth in the Union Cabinet. At the same time, political circles in Delhi indicate that the BJP leadership has informally offered another Governor post to the TDP as part of alliance coordination.
This has triggered intense speculation in Andhra Pradesh political circles over whom Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu would recommend for the Governor post.
Currently, the TDP holds two ministerial berths in the Union Cabinet. Senior TDP leader Ashok Gajapathi Raju was appointed Governor of Goa last year.
Party insiders say the BJP leadership has also assured the TDP of another Governor post in recognition of the party’s importance within the NDA alliance.
Within the TDP, several names are reportedly under consideration. When Ashok Gajapathi Raju was selected as Governor, multiple political and social equations reportedly worked in his favour.
As a senior leader associated with the party since its inception and someone with a non-controversial image, he was seen as a consensus choice.
Additionally, leaders from his social and regional grouping had not received adequate representation in the state cabinet.
Attention has now shifted to the possibility of appointing a leader from the Backward Classes or Scheduled Castes communities to the next Governor post.
Senior TDP leader Yanamala Ramakrishnudu is said to be a strong contender, although there is also speculation that he could instead be accommodated in the Rajya Sabha.
This has fuelled discussions that a BC leader from the Rayalaseema region may ultimately be selected. Former minister K E Krishnamurthy’s name has also surfaced in political discussions.
Krishnamurthy, who had worked with Chandrababu Naidu during their Congress days before joining the TDP, has held several key positions in the party over the years. However, party sources say he is currently not very active in politics.
As a result, the chances of Yanamala Ramakrishnudu being offered the Governor post are said to be bright, sources said.
