Naidu likely to pick loyalists as deputies

Hyderabad: With too many claimants for the two Deputy Chief Minister’s posts, in residual Andhra Pradesh, CM-designate N. Chandrababu Naidu is likely to appoint his loyalists as deputies. As promised, Mr Naidu has to appoint a BC MLA and a Kapu MLA as deputy CMs.

Sources in Mr Naidu’s camp said there is stiff competition for the Deputy CM posts, as several senior leaders, from both Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema regions are vying on the post. This has become first hurdle for his government. However, Mr Naidu is keen on appointing loyalists for the Deputy CM posts.

In Kapu category, former minister and MLA Ganta Srinivasa Rao from Visakhapatnam, Mandali Buddha Prasad from Krishna district and Nimmakayala China Rajappa from East Godavari district, are lobbying for the deputy CM’s post.

A top sources said, “Nimmakayala Chinarajappa is a staunch loyalist of Mr Naidu and will not be a threat to the leadership. He has fair chances. If the party chooses him, under Kapu category, then under BC category K.E. Krishna Murthy will have better chances, as he hails from Rayalaseema, unless he is pushed for Speaker’s post.”

Under BC category, Kala Venkat Rao from Srikakulam district, K.E. Krishna Murthy from Kurnool and MLC Yenamala Ramakrishnudu are pitching their hopes and working on for the Deputy CM’s post.