It has been one full year since Chandrababu Naidu issued a Press Note stating that Naga Babu would join the State Cabinet. The message came during the Rajya Sabha candidate announcement and clearly said that his induction was final. Yet the decision remains unimplemented.
The Press Note was released on December 9, 2024. Since then, there has been no official update explaining the delay. The silence has raised questions and led to steady speculation in political circles and among party supporters.
When the announcement was first made, it triggered strong reactions. Naga Babu was expected to become the third Kapu Minister in Janasena, which had only four Cabinet members at the time. All four were from upper castes, including Nadendla Manohar from the Kamma community.
The issue also became sensitive due to Naga Babu’s earlier sharp remarks against TDP and Balakrishna. That did not sit well with TDP leaders and workers. Reports also surfaced that Balakrishna was seeking a Cabinet berth, which added to internal pressure.
Party sources said bringing both into the Cabinet would renew accusations of family politics and caste politics against Chandrababu Naidu. This reportedly led to a pause on both inductions to avoid political damage and unrest within the alliance.
Months later, Pawan Kalyan addressed the delay and said the decision already existed. He stated the wait related to sorting internal hierarchy within the party and that he would take the final call. Since then, no further clarification has followed.
Instead of Cabinet entry, Chandrababu Naidu appointed Naga Babu as an MLC without objections. However, recent videos showing Naga Babu struggling to walk have triggered health related speculation. Some believe this may be a key reason for the delay.
At the same time, YSR Congress social media teams and the Blue Media have highlighted the unfulfilled Press Note. They are circulating the statement to provoke Janasaniks, claiming the promise was broken after one year.
Despite this, signs suggest that Chandrababu Naidu and Pawan Kalyan remain aligned on the issue. There is no visible public disagreement between them so far, pointing to a mutual understanding rather than an internal rift over Naga Babu’s Cabinet entry.
