TDP founder Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao did a cabinet expansion on large scale just before elections in 1989. He sacked a large part of his own cabinet and then the party miserably lost in elections. His son-in-laws Dr Venkateshwara Rao and Chandrababu Naidu by then gained prominent positions in the party.
The situation now is more or less the same, but Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu seems to have learnt it the hard way. If 1989 elections are still fresh in his memory, he wouldn’t want to make huge changes in his cabinet.
The elections gamble will start next year and with only two years left, the new administration may have impact on the governance. Any major changes will create opposition in the party.
While TDP witnessed rise of son-in-laws in 1989, it is the rise of son in 2017. TDP MLC Lokesh’s berth is confirmed. However, Balakrishna’s name surfaced again even though he denied reports of becoming a minister.
On the other hand, if Deputy CM Nimmakayala Chinarajappa is sacked this will act as a fuel to the Kapu agitation, even though he is replaced by another Kapu.
Akhila Priya lacks administrative experience and is a defector, so giving her berth is still a grey area. Instead her uncle S V Mohan Reddy could be considered, so that the party can get a strong hold in the region.
TDP supremo has decided to fill 23 seats in the cabinet this Sunday as the orders were sent to General administration department. It been more than six months since the exercise for the cabinet reshuffle has started.
After considering several factors like castes, regions, administration and other parameters, Chandrababu seems to have come to the much-awaited conclusion.
