Nandamuri Balakrishna has won three consecutive terms as MLA from Hindupur constituency in the undivided Anantapur district.
Yet, despite his consistent victories, he has never been given a ministerial berth in Chandrababu Naidu’s cabinet.
What has intensified the debate is the fact that first-time MLAs have secured ministerial positions this term, while Tollywood star and Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan has gone a step further to become Deputy Chief Minister.
Against this backdrop, there is growing talk in political circles that Balayya has now set his sights on a ministerial post and is reportedly pressing his demand for it.
Sources say there is still one cabinet position vacant, which CM Chandrababu Naidu had earlier promised to MLC Nagababu, Pawan Kalyan’s brother. However, that promise hasn’t been fulfilled yet.
This has added fuel to the speculation. During Balakrishna’s recent visit to Hindupur, TDP workers staged an interesting protest, holding placards and raising slogans demanding a ministerial post for Balayya.
The incident took place at Basavanapalli Zilla Parishad High School in Kirikera Panchayat, Hindupur mandal, where Balayya inaugurated a new school building.
As he was leaving, party workers and fans gathered at Basavanapalli Cross, waving placards and shouting slogans urging Naidu to make Balayya a minister.
The protesters also reminded everyone that Balayya has won three times from Hindupur, and their chants were clearly designed to win the actor-MLA’s support.
The development has sparked intense discussion in TDP circles about whether Balayya will finally secure the long-awaited cabinet berth.