Naidu to sworn in along with cabinet

HYDERABAD: TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu has decided to allow his Cabinet too to be sworn in on June 8 along with him. According to sources, Naidu is planning to induct six to 15 members into his Cabinet for now.

Naidu had earlier wanted to make the swearing-in ceremony a one-man show and thought of letting his Cabinet Ministers take oath later. However, the sources said, Naidu had changed his mind following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision to skip the swearing-in as well as fears of possible criticism to a one-man show.

'Earlier, our party chief had wanted the oath-taking of his Cabinet to be held on another day as swearing-in of the entire Cabinet would be a time-consuming exercise and would also cause inconvenience to the Prime Minister. But now, as Modi is not attending his swearing-in, Naidu has decided to allow the oath-taking of his Cabinet also on June 8 itself,' said a TDP leader.

Confirming this development, the General Administration Department (GAD) of AP, in its invitation cards, has informed the guests that Naidu will take oath along with his Council of Ministers on June 8.

Though the TDP chief is keeping his cards close to his chest, party circles feel he will compose his council of ministers in such a way that it would be a blend of seasoned politicos and youngsters.

According to party sources, Naidu has almost made up his mind to induct P Narayana, chairman of the Narayana Group of Educational Institutions, into his Cabinet. He is likely to appoint Narayana, who hails from Balijas, a sub-caste in Kapus, as his deputy from Kapus.

If Naidu appoints Narayana, who is from Nellore district, as the deputy CM from Kapus, he may pick a leader from North Andhra/twin Godavari districts for another deputy CM post, promised for BCs.

In such a scenario, party veteran Yanamala Ramakrishnudu could be the choice of the TDP boss. Despite this, party veterans such as KE Krishnamurthy (from BCs) and Nimmakayala Chinna Rajappa (from Kapus) are making efforts to get the post.

As far as the Cabinet is concerned, names of some MLAs are doing the rounds. In Srikakulam district, Kimidi Kala Venkata Rao (Etcherla), a Thurpu Kapu, and Gouthu Syam Sunder Sivaji (Palasa), from Gouda community, are front-runners.

In Vizianagaram district, seven-time MLA Pathivada Narayana Swamy Naidu (Nellimarla), from Thurpu Kapu, is being considered as a hot favourite.

From Visakhapatnam district, the candidatures of Ch Ayyannapatrudu (Narsipatnam), belonging to Koppula Velamas, and former minister Ganta Srinivasa Rao (Bhimili), a Kapu, are said be under consideration.

In East Godavari district, Nimmakayala Chinna Rajappa (Peddapuram), belonging to Kapus, is a front-runner along with Yanamala Ramakrishundu.

From West Godavari district, Mudiam Srinivas (Polavaram-ST) appears to be sure of making it into the Cabinet as he is the lone ST MLA, who won on TDP ticket in Seemandhra.

Pitala Sujatha (Chintalapudi- SC) is also said to be in the race. As far as Krishna district is concerned, the TDP chief is learnt to be considering the names of Kagita Venkata Rao (Pedana), who hails from Gouda community, Devineni Uma Maheswar Rao (Mylavaram), belongs to Kammas.

From Guntur district, the candidature of Kodela Siva Prasada Rao (Sattenapalli), along with Modugula Venu Gopal Reddy (Guntur West) is being considered. The TDP chief is said to be considering the candidature of his trusted colleague Bojjala Gopala Krishna Reddy (Srikalahasti) from his native Chittoor district.

Though it is not clear whether the TDP chief inducts his brother-in-law and film actor N Bala Krishna (Hindupur) into his Cabinet, Naidu is said to be considering the candidature of Kaluva Srinivas (Rayadurg). KE Krishna Murthy (Pattikonda), who belongs to Gouda community, is said to be Naidu's choice from Kurnool district.