Balakrishna Fans Demand Minister Post
A key political development has taken place in Andhra Pradesh. This happened on Monday in the Hindupur constituency. For the first time ever, fans of Hindupur MLA Nandamuri Balakrishna held placards and raised slogans demanding that he be given a ministerial post. They urged Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu to induct Balakrishna into the state cabinet. Responding to his fans’ demand, Nandamuri Balakrishna said, “The ministerial post will come when the time is right. Please be patient,” he told them. This is being seen as a significant political development in Andhra Pradesh. Party leaders themselves admit that Balakrishna has long been dissatisfied over not being given a suitable position in the party.
Even when he was given a place in the Politburo earlier, he reportedly remarked, “Why include me just for the sake of formality, like one among a crowd?” according to party sources. Recently, while speaking in the Assembly, Balakrishna openly stated that even in this government, he was not being accorded the respect he deserved — a statement he made without hesitation on the floor of the House. Now, the renewed demand for a ministerial post for Balakrishna has gained prominence. However, there are doubts about whether Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu will easily grant this request, despite the pressure from Balakrishna’s supporters.
Chandrababu Naidu’s son and Balakrishna’s son-in-law, Nara Lokesh, is already serving as a key minister in the Andhra Pradesh government. A senior leader opined that those familiar with Chandrababu’s working style would not expect him to induct Balakrishna into the cabinet. Still, it is being speculated that by raising the demand for a ministerial post, Balakrishna might at least secure an important position within the party. As the son of TDP founder N.T. Rama Rao, Balakrishna’s fans strongly believe he should hold a ministerial post at least once in his career. However, everyone knows how Chandrababu Naidu’s political calculations work. In any case, the fresh demand to make Balakrishna a minister is expected to create quite a stir in Andhra Pradesh politics.
