TDP leaders themselves are reportedly taken aback by developments in several key departments of the Andhra Pradesh government. There is widespread discussion among government officials and political leaders that some ministers are being completely controlled by private individuals. Officials say that such brazen conduct has never been seen in the past. The situation is particularly alarming in some key departments. In one department facing serious allegations and criticism over large-scale corruption in the Andhra Pradesh government, a minister is said to have entrusted key responsibilities to a poet. However, it would be a mistake to assume that the person is merely someone who writes poetry. The minister's Cabinet colleagues are reportedly discussing how this individual handles not only the minister's alleged corruption-related affairs but also all other matters. Sources in the department say that the minister has appointed several private individuals, assigning each of them specific tasks, to run the affairs of the department. They allegedly handle everything, including collections. While the minister relaxes and attends to matters of his personal preference, these individuals are said to be managing the department's affairs, according to officials.
A senior IAS officer revealed that a special team has been formed to handle appeals and other matters falling under the department's jurisdiction. The officer said that no final decision is made public unless the team gives its green signal. While this is one such case, another key and powerful department is also reportedly being run through a private individual stationed in Delhi. In Amaravati, too, key responsibilities have allegedly been assigned to people who have absolutely no connection with the department, turning government departments into what appear to be private operations. In this crucial department, some senior officials are said to be exercising considerable control, alongside certain private companies that allegedly enjoy considerable influence and a monopoly. The involvement of another key minister is reportedly even more significant. According to accounts circulating within the department, the minister does not sign files, but all decisions are said to be his.
Sources in the department allege that the minister has also brought private individuals into the picture, apparently believing that if others are getting work done in his department, he should not remain idle. These individuals are reportedly involved in large-scale collections. There is growing discussion among TDP leaders that private individuals have become active around ministers in nearly six or seven departments. They are allegedly handling departmental matters and settlements while also keeping the ministers under their control. TDP leaders are reportedly discussing the possibility that, if anything goes wrong, not only the secrets of those holding key positions in the government but also details of alleged corruption could come out in the open. A senior TDP leader observed that, with senior government leaders and ministers preoccupied with their respective activities, those in key positions are also ignoring the private dealings allegedly taking place around these ministers. One minister reportedly remarked that if the party leadership focuses on the issue even once, all the details about these individuals will come to light.