Jana Sena Party general secretary and senior actor Konidela Nagababu is unlikely to get inducted into the Andhra Pradesh cabinet headed by chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu, at least for another three months.
This was made clear by none other than his brother, Jana Sena Party president and deputy chief minister Pawan Kalyan.
“Nagababu will be first nominated as an MLC, and we’ll discuss the ministerial position only later,” Pawan Kalyan said in an interaction with reporters at Mangalagiri.
The deputy chief minister said only under exceptional circumstances would someone be given a ministerial role before becoming an MLC.
“At present, no such circumstances exist. Therefore, Nagababu must first become an MLC, which will happen only in March,” he said.
He said it was true that the party initially considered Nagababu for Rajya Sabha, but as that didn’t materialize, it was decided to make him an MLC.
"Even though we had no background, my elder brother rose on his own. I must recognize those who have journeyed and worked with us. Nagababu has worked equally with me. He endured insults from YSRCP leaders and stood firm for the party,” he said.
Rubbishing the allegations that he was encouraging nepotism and casteism in the party, Pawan Kalyan said it’s not about caste or nepotism; it’s about whether someone is hardworking.
“We announced him as an MP but later had to withdraw,” he said.
He said performance was the standard in politics, and he had a responsibility to recognize those who have worked alongside him.
“Manohar and Hariprasad have worked for the party since the beginning. We give positions based on merit. Why don't you question Jagan on these matters? Why is only Pawan Kalyan being questioned?” he asked.
He said he was not aware which caste Kandula Durgesh belonged to.
“I recommended him for the cabinet berth because I liked his performance. In politics, it’s not about caste, but about performance," he said.
