Lokesh Overshadows Naidu? SIT Move Sparks Buzz
Ever since the coalition government came to power in Andhra Pradesh, there has been a campaign in political circles that all the influence in the state government lies with Nara Lokesh. From officials’ postings to key appointments, it is said that only Nara Lokesh’s word has prevailed. There are even discussions among TDP leaders that Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has this time handed over everything to Nara Lokesh. Whatever the behind-the-scenes arrangements may be, once there is a government, certain procedures must be followed… but Nara Lokesh is said to be behaving as if the government itself means only him. This discussion is now going on among Andhra Pradesh ministers. On Monday, a chit-chat that Nara Lokesh held with the media became the reason for these new criticisms. A senior minister commented that while the actual Chief Minister in AP is Chandrababu, Nara Lokesh is acting as the “Acting Chief Minister.”
Nara Lokesh is in charge of Human Resources and the IT departments. But he made a highly crucial announcement about the Endowments Department, which has no relation to his portfolio. He told the media that a SIT would be formed to investigate the irregularities that took place in Tirumala Parakamani during Jagan’s tenure as Chief Minister… this news was prominently reported in the media. The irregularities that happened in Parakamani during Jagan’s rule, and the settlements that took place in connection with them, must be fully exposed… and action should definitely be taken against those who looted God’s money. There is no doubt in that. However, without any consultation with Endowments Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy or Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha, Nara Lokesh directly announcing that a SIT will be set up has become a hot topic of discussion in both political and bureaucratic circles.
One minister revealed that making such a policy announcement outside while the Assembly is in session is also not proper. In such a crucial matter, the decision should be discussed in the Cabinet first and then announced. But Nara Lokesh’s announcement about the SIT in a manner suggesting “I am the government, the government is me” is not at all correct, TDP MLAs also feel. They say this sends wrong signals to the people. Moreover, it is well known that Nara Lokesh has nothing to do with this department. Even in the past, regarding the crucial Industries Department, Lokesh tried to sideline the minister in charge, T.G. Bharat, and claim everything himself. Some ministers in the Cabinet are said to be deeply dissatisfied with Nara Lokesh’s way of functioning, but they are continuing silently. One minister said this is because unofficially all the power rests with Nara Lokesh. For the past few days, political attacks between TDP and YSRCP leaders on the Parakamani issue have been happening on a large scale. At this stage, Tirupati YSRCP MP Gurumurthy also wrote a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and to the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court demanding a CBI probe into the matter. Following that, Nara Lokesh’s announcement about the SIT has gained significance.
