Cabinet Strains Deepen Amid Cyclone Response
As Cyclone Montha looms over Andhra Pradesh, the state’s political machinery is facing dual storms—one from nature and another from within. The cabinet, led by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, is reportedly grappling with internal tensions that surfaced during emergency preparations.
Sources close to the administration suggest that CM Naidu’s assertive coordination style during cyclone briefings has caused discomfort among certain ministers. His direct instructions and district-level oversight have led to murmurs of dissatisfaction, especially from senior cabinet members who feel sidelined.
Leading Telugu news outlets, including ETV and ABN, have spotlighted the growing unease. Reports indicate that some ministers were caught off guard by the CM’s rapid decision-making and reallocation of responsibilities. The cyclone’s urgency has left little room for debate, further amplifying tensions.
While the APSDRF and district officials are actively managing cyclone preparedness, political observers note that the cabinet’s internal dynamics could affect long-term coordination. The CM’s focus remains on public safety, but the backdrop of political friction is hard to ignore.
In a strategic move, CM Naidu assigned specific ministers to oversee cyclone response in high-risk districts. This decentralization, though effective operationally, has reportedly caused confusion over jurisdiction and authority among cabinet members.
The opposition parties, including YSRCP and Congress, are monitoring the situation closely. They’ve begun questioning the cabinet’s cohesion and the transparency of decision-making during the crisis. Some leaders have hinted at a possible reshuffle post-cyclone.
Citizens across Andhra Pradesh have expressed mixed reactions. While many appreciate the CM’s proactive stance, others are concerned about the visible cracks in governance. Social media platforms are abuzz with debates on leadership style versus team unity.
Political analysts believe that Cyclone Montha has inadvertently become a litmus test for the ruling alliance’s stability. The ability to manage both natural disaster and internal dissent will likely shape public perception ahead of the 2026 elections.
Senior bureaucrats have urged ministers to set aside differences and focus on relief efforts. The Special Chief Secretary emphasized that unity in governance is critical during emergencies, and any distractions could cost lives.
As Andhra Pradesh braces for Cyclone Montha’s impact, the cabinet must navigate not just the storm outside but also the turbulence within. The coming days will reveal whether leadership and teamwork can coexist under pressure—or whether deeper fractures will emerge.
