The Andhra Pradesh government has appointed Alapati Suresh as the new chairperson of the Andhra Pradesh Press Academy, one of 22 nominated positions filled on Sunday.
Suresh is a prominent member of the Amaravati Joint Action Committee (JAC) and a vocal advocate for Amaravati’s development as the state’s capital. He is also the author of Vidwansham, a critical book on Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy’s governance. In the book, Suresh argues that Jagan’s five-year tenure severely damaged the state’s progress, setting Andhra Pradesh back by two decades.
His appointment is seen as a strategic decision to bolster the ruling party’s influence in media and public outreach, given the Press Academy’s pivotal role in fostering journalism and media development in the state.
Suresh brings extensive media experience to the role, having served for many years as Input Editor at TV9. Prior to that, he worked with leading Telugu newspapers, including Andhra Prabha. Known for his longstanding association with the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Suresh also belongs to the same community as TDP leader N. Chandrababu Naidu.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu congratulated Suresh, emphasizing his commitment to advancing the state’s media landscape. “Alapati Suresh Garu’s dedication will elevate the AP Press Academy’s mission,” Naidu stated.
Suresh, addressing the media, expressed gratitude for the opportunity and vowed to enhance the Press Academy’s role in fostering ethical journalism and skill development for media professionals. “I am committed to serving Andhra Pradesh and ensuring the media thrives as a pillar of democracy,” he said.
The appointments, announced on Sunday, include key positions in the SC Commission, ST Commission, Women’s Commission, Skill Development Corporation, and others.
Among the notable appointees are Valavala Babji, TDP in-charge from Tadepalligudem, who secured the chairmanship of the AP Building and Other Construction Workers Board, and KS Jawahar, East Godavari district TDP president and former minister, appointed as SC Commission chairman. The coalition, which includes Janasena and BJP, has allocated a majority of these posts to TDP leaders, with sources indicating that the party’s loyalists were prioritized to strengthen its grassroots base.