Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to carry out a major reshuffle of the Union Cabinet soon. As the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre completes two years in office after returning to power for a third consecutive term, the leadership has reportedly decided to undertake large-scale cabinet restructuring and accelerate administrative functioning. As part of this exercise, Modi recently held meetings with Union ministers and gave key directions on several departmental issues. According to reliable sources, the upcoming cabinet expansion likely to take place in June may provide a Minister of State berth to Jana Sena Party for the first time. Along with a ministerial berth for Janasena, another Minister of State position may also be allotted to the Telugu Desam Party, which is already a partner in the Union Cabinet.
Janasena currently has two MPs from Andhra Pradesh — Balashowry Vallabhaneni and Tangella Uday Srinivas. In addition, the party is also expected to get representation in the Rajya Sabha this time. Out of the four Rajya Sabha seats falling vacant in Andhra Pradesh, one seat is reportedly likely to be allocated to Janasena. Party sources indicate that the seat may go to Lingamaneni Ramesh, which would further strengthen Janasena’s parliamentary presence. The key question now is whom Janasena chief and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan will choose for the possible ministerial berth in the Union Cabinet. Among the current MPs, Balashowry is considered the senior-most leader.
However, more than seniority, Pawan Kalyan’s personal choice is expected to play a decisive role in the selection. From the TDP, Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu is already serving as the Union Minister for Civil Aviation. Alongside him, Guntur MP Pemmasani Chandrasekhar is serving in the Union government handling responsibilities related to Rural Development and Communications. Political circles are now abuzz with speculation that the TDP may secure another Minister of State berth in the upcoming cabinet expansion. Attention has now shifted to who among the party leaders will ultimately get the opportunity.