Though delayed, former Union Minister Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju is reportedly set to receive a strong assurance from TDP chief and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu that he will be appointed as a Governor, most likely in Tamil Nadu.
According to political circles, Naidu has conveyed to Ashok that he will soon be seated in the Raj Bhavan.
It is said that the TDP leadership initially considered recommending two senior leaders for Governor posts this time.
However, after senior leader Yanamala Ramakrishnudu’s recent open letter criticizing the state government over the Kakinada Port issue, the party high command seems to have distanced itself from him.
In contrast, Ashok Gajapathi Raju, who has served the party loyally for over four decades, continues to enjoy Naidu’s trust.
Despite not being given a Lok Sabha ticket in the recent elections, he neither worked against the party nor made any public criticisms. His loyalty and dignified conduct have reportedly earned him Chandrababu’s appreciation.
Sources say the TDP has formally recommended Ashok’s name to the Centre, and that he himself wishes to conclude his political career holding a respectable constitutional position.
Given his deep understanding of the Constitution, the Centre too is said to be in favor of appointing him as a Governor.
Amid these developments, speculation is rife that Ashok Gajapathi Raju may soon be appointed as the Governor of Tamil Nadu.