Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu reached Tirupati on Wednesday. (Photo: X)
Tirupati: Chittoor, the native district of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, has been left out without representation in the state cabinet, but for the CM himself.
This is a break in tradition when the undivided district's 13 assembly constituencies have gone unrepresented in the cabinet for the first time since 1983.
Chittoor district has been a prominent political force, producing three chief ministers – Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao, Nara Chandrababu Naidu and Nallari Kiran Kumar Reddy. During their tenures, these leaders ensured at least one minister represented Chittoor district.
But in Wednesday’s ministry formation, other than Naidu as CM, there is no other minister from Chittoor district.
Post-bifurcation, Naidu's government included ministers Bojjala Gopalakrishna Reddy and N. Amaranatha Reddy from Chittoor. Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy administration also saw Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy, Kalathuru Narayana Swamy, and R.K. Roja holding ministerial positions from the district.
In the wake of recent election results, newly elected Chittoor MLAs harboured hopes of securing cabinet berths. Those whose names had been doing rounds for ministerial berths included former minister Amaranatha Reddy, the Palamaner MLA, and Nallari Kishore Kumar Reddy, brother of ex-CM Kiran Reddy, and first-time Piler MLA.
However, Naidu prioritising candidates from other districts has disappointed Chittoor MLAs, who had been eyeing ministerial positions.
A ruling party MLA who has been overlooked expressed disappointment that his efforts have not been recognised. But he respected Naidu's decision. "Our CM would have had his reasons, based on feedback from the ground. I am sure he will accommodate MLAs from Chittoor in future cabinet reshuffles or appointments to corporations and boards," the MLA said on condition of anonymity.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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