Nandamuri Balakrishna’s recent comment on the Chiranjeevi issue in the Assembly has triggered a major political controversy in Andhra Pradesh.
Soon after, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu visited Pawan Kalyan’s house when the latter was down with fever. The media speculated that the visit was an attempt to calm tensions created by Balakrishna’s remarks.
Reports in Blue Media later claimed that Balakrishna was upset with Chandrababu Naidu and Nara Lokesh for how the issue was handled. They also suggested that Balakrishna wanted a cabinet post to assert his political stature.
Today, during his visit to Hindupur constituency, party workers demanded that Balakrishna be given a ministerial position. Responding to them, Balakrishna said, “Be patient. The ministerial post will come when needed. Hindupur is developing well. What else do you want?”
The sudden demand from the cadre has sparked new political discussions within the TDP.
Balakrishna’s political record makes him a strong contender. He has supported the TDP since N.T. Rama Rao’s time and has campaigned actively for the party for decades. Since entering politics in 2014, he has won three consecutive terms from Hindupur.
In 2019, when Jagan Mohan Reddy’s wave swept across the state, TDP managed to retain only three seats in Rayalaseema. Balakrishna not only held his seat but won with an even bigger majority, while Chandrababu’s margin fell.
Despite his consistent loyalty, Balakrishna was left out of Chandrababu’s cabinet earlier, reportedly due to caste and family representation issues. With both Chandrababu and Lokesh already in key positions, critics believed adding Balakrishna could draw charges of favoritism.
Still, his long service and influence make him a deserving candidate. However, Balakrishna’s outspoken nature and unpredictability also make him a politically sensitive choice. His recent Assembly outburst showed how easily such moments can create trouble for the government.
For Chandrababu Naidu, it’s a tricky decision. Balakrishna’s expectations are understandable, but accommodating him could invite criticism. Ignoring him, on the other hand, might cause tension within the Nandamuri family and the party itself.
How Chandrababu handles this situation could shape the next chapter of TDP’s internal politics.
