Lingamaneni Eyeing Berth In Modi Cabinet

Sena Party.

This is the first time that the Jana Sena Party, led by Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, has secured representation in the Rajya Sabha.

Despite criticism from various quarters and protests from within the party, Pawan Kalyan nominated Lingamaneni Ramesh, a Kamma leader, to the Upper House.

According to the latest reports, as though the Rajya Sabha berth were not enough, Lingamaneni is now eyeing a place in the Union Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a possible reshuffle.

Sources say Modi has promised to induct one member from the Jana Sena Party into the Union Cabinet as part of efforts to keep NDA partners in good humour.

Such a move would give the Jana Sena Party an opportunity to expand its political footprint at the national level.

Speculation over Jana Sena’s chances has intensified, as the party now has two Lok Sabha MPs and one Rajya Sabha member.

However, social and regional representation are expected to play a key role in determining the final choice.

The initial talk was that Machilipatnam MP Vallabhaneni Balashowry was the most favoured Jana Sena candidate for a Cabinet berth at the Centre.

A three-time parliamentarian, Balashowry has served on several parliamentary committees and is considered an experienced legislator.

Though Kakinada MP Uday Srinivas was also said to be in the race, Pawan may not prefer him, as Union Minister Bhupatiraju Srinivasa Varma already represents the Godavari region.

Now that Lingamaneni has entered the Rajya Sabha, he is also said to be keen on joining the Narendra Modi Cabinet to strengthen his political and business influence at the national level.

It remains to be seen whether Pawan will prefer a seasoned leader like Balashowry or a powerful businessman like Lingamaneni.