A series of recent controversies and mistakes have once again raised questions about Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s strong belief that senior bureaucrats are his best advisers. Political observers say his heavy reliance on officials has often created problems for him in the past, and similar issues seem to be repeating now.
Naidu followed a similar approach during his earlier terms as Chief Minister of the undivided Andhra Pradesh between 1995 and 2004. He also depended heavily on bureaucrats during his tenure from 2014 to 2019 after the State was bifurcated. However, critics say he has not fully understood the risks of depending too much on officers without wider consultation.
The latest embarrassment involved the appointment of the Executive Officer (EO) of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which manages the famous Tirumala temple. Senior IAS officer A.K. Singhal, who had served as EO during the previous YSRCP government, was reappointed to the post in September 2025.
However, trouble soon followed. Investigations into the alleged adulteration of ghee used in preparing the sacred laddu prasadam pointed to the period when Singhal had earlier served as EO. Since Naidu himself had strongly criticised the previous YSRCP government over the laddu issue, the reappointment created an awkward situation for him.
Facing criticism and political pressure, the government replaced Singhal in early February, just five months after his return to the post. The quick change highlighted what many see as a lapse in judgement while making key administrative decisions.
At present, a senior officer in the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), Ravichandra, has been given additional charge of the TTD. He is likely to be formally confirmed in the position soon.
Political analysts say the episode once again shows the challenges Naidu faces in balancing administrative advice with political judgment, especially at a time when public scrutiny is high.