Now that the nomination of Jana Sena Party leader and senior actor Konidela Nagababu to the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council is almost confirmed, his induction into the state cabinet, as announced by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, has become a foregone conclusion.
The latest topic of discussion among the coalition partners is which portfolio Nagababu will be assigned once he takes oath as a minister.
This matter was reportedly discussed between Naidu and Jana Sena Party chief and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan during their Monday meeting.
There has been criticism over Nagababu's cabinet induction, as two Kapu leaders from the Jana Sena Party are already in Naidu’s cabinet—Pawan Kalyan and Kandula Durgesh—while Nadendla Manohar, the third JSP leader in the cabinet, belongs to the Kamma community.
If Nagababu joins the cabinet, there will be three Kapu ministers from the Jana Sena Party, which could draw criticism from the Backward Classes (BCs).
However, Pawan Kalyan has already clarified that caste and nepotism are not considerations, and only efficiency and capability will determine ministerial appointments.
Now, the question remains which portfolio will be allotted to Nagababu.
While portfolio allocation is entirely the chief minister’s prerogative, Pawan Kalyan reportedly requested an important portfolio for his brother during his meeting with Naidu, to satisfy the JSP cadre.
Naidu, in response, is said to have asked Pawan for his preference regarding Nagababu’s portfolio. However, Pawan left the final decision to Naidu, merely suggesting that an important department such as Commercial Taxes or Roads and Buildings be assigned.
"If Naidu accommodates this request, he may have to reshuffle the portfolios of his existing ministers while inducting Nagababu," sources said.
