HYDERABAD: Though nobody knows the real motive for Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu ranking his ministers based on their performance, it has led to an intense debate within the state cabinet and the ruling TDP.
Some ministers are not happy that they were placed at the bottom of the scale whereas some others see the rankings as an indication that Naidu is preparing the ground to drop several ministers during the ensuing reshuffle.
Interestingly, the lowest rank given to municipal administration minister P Narayana is triggering speculation that Naidu might be planning to shift him to other ministry so as to entrust the portfolio to his son Lokesh in order to oversee Amaravati's construction job which has become enviable.
Party leaders view construction of the new capital city as the most prestigious of all projects in the state. Thus, Narayana, who is in charge of this project, has become a popular figure in the state next only to the chief minister. Moreover, with its vast territory, the new capital region has almost attained a 'state within the state' position.
At this juncture, the minister in charge of capital city project has to deal with various foreign firms and investors to give a world-class city look to Amaravati.
“The hint given to Narayana by ranking him low might be that he will have to give way to Lokesh to step into his shoes to look after Amaravati affairs by assuming charge as the municipal administration minister as happened in the case of KT Rama Rao who has been made Telangana municipal administration minister,” a TDP leader interpreted.
The rankings given to ministers were based on four issues: Contribution to TDP, role in publicising government schemes, initiative to send party cadre to the training camps held recently by party general secretary Lokesh and efforts to bring in greater coordination between party and government.
As none other than Naidu's son has finalised these ranks, the buzz in party circles is that these rankings have been made public so as to psychologically prepare those who are at the bottom of the ladder to lose their present position in the Cabinet during its maiden rejig.
However, what made some ministers rack their brains is the way ranks were given to even BJP ministers Kamineni Srinivas and P Manikyala Rao.
“Our boss told us that our performance had been judged based on our contribution to the party. Then what puzzles us is why the BJP ministers were given ranks on a par with us?” wondered a senior minister.