Unlike the previous Chief Minister, Chandrababu Naidu is known for focusing more on officials-centered administration. He mostly depends on the performance of his officials, more than his efficiency of his cabinet colleagues or people’s representatives.
Soon after became Chief Minister for the fourth time, he assured IAS and IPS officials that there may not be any `politics of victimization’ and indicated that those who were notorious for their `proximity’ with the previous regime and facing severe allegations of corruption and irregularities can continue to work in this government also.
Though exceptionally few officers were kept aside, most of the high-profile officers in the previous regime were accommodated with coveted postings. Even the Chief Minister’s office is also said to be filled with such officers. However, several TDP MPs and MLAs, even ministers are finding it difficult to sail with such officers, as many of them are still not hiding their `loyalty’ to the previous regime and making their tasks difficult.
They are particularly worried that most of such officials are getting patronage of Minister Nara Lokesh, so none of them are able to express their discontent openly. However, a recent incident exposed the growing gap between TDP leaders and Chandrababu’s officials.
As a result, he is caught in the middle of a stand-off between his IAS officers and TDP MPs. When Naidu recently visited Delhi for the Vice-President’s swearing-in ceremony, an altercation took place between MP Byreddy Shabari and the CM’s aide Kartikeya Misra at Naidu’s residence.
Misra allegedly rudely ordered the woman MP to step aside. When Shabari suggested that Misra show more respect, the officer launched a tirade and she broke down in tears. Her fellow MPs comforted her and senior MP Vemireddy Prabhakar Reddy recalled that the same officer had allegedly once slammed a door in his face. He had earlier quit the YSR Congress because of similar arrogant behaviour.
TDP MPs complained to the Chief Minister, who asked his official for an explanation. Instead of an apology, at a Collectors’ meet at Amaravati last week, IAS officers backed their colleague. It was even suggested that the MP should deny the incident, news of which appeared in the media. With both sides incensed, Naidu is caught between a rock and a hard place.
