Enthused by the latest victory in Bihar, the Bharatiya Janata Party leadership is now focussing on appeasing its NDA allies further to strengthen its network across the country by accommodating them in the Union cabinet.
According to reports from New Delhi, as part of this exercise, the BJP is actively considering allocating an additional cabinet berth to Andhra Pradesh, triggering speculation over who may be chosen from the NDA allies in the state.
The BJP is currently engaged in consultations with its alliance partners — Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Jana Sena Party (JSP) — both of which hold significant representation from Andhra Pradesh.
While the BJP already has one Union Minister from the state, the TDP currently has two (one Cabinet rank and one Minister of State), and the Jana Sena had previously been offered a berth, though its chief Pawan Kalyan declined at the time.
With elections approaching in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, the BJP high command is also expected to prioritise representation from those states.
Tamil Nadu BJP leader Annamalai is reportedly set to secure a berth.
Within this broader equation, Andhra Pradesh is likely to receive one more Union Minister position.
Sources said both regional balance and social representation are influencing the discussions.
While the coastal and north Andhra regions already have representation in the Union Cabinet, the focus may shift towards giving an opportunity to a BC or SC leader from Rayalaseema.
Additionally, sources said a proposal to consider a candidate from the Reddy community — potentially Nellore MP Vemireddy Prabhakar Reddy — is also under review.
Meanwhile, Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan is said to be reconsidering his earlier stance and is reportedly inclined toward accepting a Union cabinet portfolio this time.
With two MPs under his party, senior leader and Machilipatnam MP Balashouri is also believed to be a strong contender depending on Pawan’s choice.
Sources said Modi had a brief consultation with Chandrababu Naidu and Pawan Kalyan during his visit to Puttaparthi on Wednesday on the issue and might take a decision after he returns to New Delhi.
