If reports from New Delhi are any indication, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is learnt to be preparing for a cabinet reshuffle ahead of the presentation of the Union Budget 2025–26 and upcoming assembly elections in several states.
Sources indicate that the BJP high command is in discussions with alliance partners as part of the reshuffle exercise.
With the BJP-led NDA set to face crucial elections in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and two other states, the leadership is keen on fine-tuning both party and government roles.
It is widely being speculated in Delhi political circles that Andhra Pradesh may get one more berth in the Union cabinet.
Discussions are reportedly underway about inducting Jana Sena leader and actor-politician Nagababu into the Union Cabinet.
There is also talk of a possible change in the portfolio of Union civil aviation minister K Ram Mohan Naidu, who had to face brickbats from various quarters for his ineffective handling of the IndiGo Airlines crisis.
He may be moved to some other less important portfolio, sources said.
At present, Andhra Pradesh has two ministers from the TDP in the Union cabinet and one from the BJP. Although Jana Sena was earlier offered a ministerial berth, party chief Pawan Kalyan had declined at that time.
However, sources now say Pawan Kalyan is inclined to take up a Union Cabinet position.
With two alliance partners – TDP and Jana Sena – in Andhra Pradesh, the BJP leadership is said to be considering both regional and social equations before finalising the decision.
Chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu is reportedly keen on ensuring representation for Rayalaseema, possibly from the BC, SC or even Reddy community.
Names such as Nellore MP Vemireddy and MPs from Chittoor and Hindupur are said to be under consideration.
At the same time, there is also a proposal to give the BJP another ministerial berth in the Andhra Pradesh state cabinet as part of evolving alliance dynamics.
Tamil Nadu BJP’s former state president Annamalai is almost certain to be inducted into the Union cabinet, sources said, as part of the party’s strategy ahead of the Tamil Nadu elections.
