The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet has approved a new Science, Technology & Innovation department, sparking speculation about a new minister and a possible reshuffle. A final call on portfolio allocation and cabinet expansion is likely after the Assembly session.

New Department Approved

In a recent Cabinet meeting, the AP government cleared the creation of a Science, Technology & Innovation department. The move is being seen as part of broader administrative fine-tuning as the government completes two years in office.

Currently, Science & Technology is under Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan. With Innovation now added, discussions are underway on whether the expanded portfolio will remain with him or be reassigned.

Cabinet Reshuffle Buzz

Sources indicate that CM Chandrababu Naidu has been reviewing ministerial performance, citing field-level feedback from governance and party affairs. He has publicly urged ministers to improve outcomes, warning that action could follow if performance lags.

With talk of a reshuffle growing, the creation of a new department has intensified speculation about:

Induction of a new minister
Reallocation of portfolios
Performance-based changes in the Cabinet

A decision is expected after the ongoing Assembly session.

Role for Nagababu?

There has been sustained chatter about a Cabinet berth for Nagendra Babu (Nagababu), who was earlier accommodated as an MLC. Whether he will be assigned the newly carved-out portfolio or whether it will continue with Pawan Kalyan remains unclear.

Government circles are debating if the reshuffle will:

Consolidate key portfolios under existing ministers, or
Open space for fresh faces in the Cabinet

Political Context

The developments come amid heightened political exchanges with the YSR Congress Party over recent controversies. The ruling coalition—comprising the Telugu Desam Party, Jana Sena Party, and the Bharatiya Janata Party—is expected to calibrate governance priorities alongside political messaging.

Key Entities

N. Chandrababu Naidu
Pawan Kalyan
Nagendra Babu
YSR Congress Party
Telugu Desam Party
Jana Sena Party
Bharatiya Janata Party

Final Verdict

The approval of a new Science, Technology & Innovation department signals administrative recalibration in Andhra Pradesh. Whether it leads to a new ministerial induction or a broader reshuffle will likely be decided after the Assembly session, with performance reviews playing a key role in the final call.