Naga Babu still awaits ministerial berth despite MLC win

Despite being elected unopposed to the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council (MLC) on March 14, 2025, Konidela Nagendra Babu, popularly known as Naga Babu, is still awaiting a place in Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s Cabinet, raising eyebrows and igniting political speculation.

Naga Babu, General Secretary of the Jana Sena Party (JSP) and brother of Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, took oath as an MLC on April 2 in the presence of Council Chairman Moshen Raju. His elevation to a ministerial post was widely anticipated following Naidu’s announcement on December 9, 2024, that Naga Babu would represent the fourth ministerial slot allotted to the JSP within the NDA’s 25-member Cabinet.

Cabinet role still in limbo

However, nearly two months after his swearing-in, no official appointment has been made, sparking discussions about potential roadblocks within the TDP-led NDA coalition.

Sources suggest ongoing discussions between Naidu and Pawan Kalyan have focused on finalizing Naga Babu’s portfolio—Cinematography being the most likely choice, given his deep ties to the film industry.

Political analysts point to multiple possible reasons for the delay. One theory is Naidu’s cautious approach to avoid the perception of nepotism, with both Naga Babu and Pawan Kalyan occupying high-profile government posts. In contrast, critics note that Nara Lokesh, Naidu’s son, continues to hold a Cabinet position without similar scrutiny—highlighting the double standards in coalition dynamics.

Internal tensions?

Back in December 2024, Pawan Kalyan had emphasized that Naga Babu must first become an MLC before any ministerial consideration, signaling a commitment to process and hierarchy. That requirement has now been fulfilled—making the continued delay more puzzling.

Media reports say internal surveys that warned of public backlash if two members of the Konidela family were appointed ministers simultaneously. Whether this feedback still influences the decision-making is unclear.

Since the formation of Jana Sena Party in 2014, Naga Babu has been a steadfast supporter of Pawan Kalyan and an active participant in the party’s campaigns. His bid for a Rajya Sabha seat was dropped earlier in favor of a BJP nominee, leading to the current MLC route and the promise of a Cabinet post.

He remains politically active, recently attending events in constituencies like Punganur (Chittoor) and continuing to reaffirm JSP’s growing influence under Pawan Kalyan’s leadership.

For now, the wait continues, as supporters and political observers alike watch closely for the next move in this unfolding saga within the ruling alliance.