Konidela Nagendra Babu, popularly known as Naga Babu, took a significant step in his political journey on Wednesday as he was sworn in as a Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) of Andhra Pradesh. The oath-taking ceremony held at the Legislative Council in Amaravati, was marked by an emotional moment when his elder brother, megastar Chiranjeevi, presented him with a pen.
Naga Babu, the general secretary of the Jana Sena Party (JSP) and elder brother of Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, was elected unopposed to the Legislative Council under the MLA quota.
His induction fulfills a promise made by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, who had announced in December 2024 that Naga Babu would be given a ministerial position.
Since he is not an MLA, his MLC election paves the way for his anticipated cabinet role, making him the fourth JSP representative in the Naidu-led government. Speculation is rife that Pawan Kalyan personally pushed for his brother’s inclusion in the cabinet. Given Naidu’s strong trust in Pawan Kalyan’s political influence, it is highly likely that Naga Babu will soon be inducted into the state cabinet.
Expressing gratitude, Naga Babu acknowledged the unwavering support of his elder brother Chiranjeevi, younger brother Pawan Kalyan, and Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu.
“I thank my elder brother Chiranjeevi for his constant encouragement and this meaningful gift, which inspires me to serve with dedication. I am also deeply grateful to Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu for his trust and for giving me this opportunity to contribute to Andhra Pradesh’s progress,” he said.
Chiranjeevi, accompanied by his wife Surekha, was visibly proud as he watched his younger brother take the oath. His gift of a pen was widely interpreted as a symbolic nudge towards Naga Babu’s new responsibility—crafting policies for the state’s development.
Naga Babu’s political career has been closely intertwined with his brothers. He first entered politics in 2008 with Chiranjeevi’s Praja Rajyam Party. Later, in 2014, he joined Pawan Kalyan’s Jana Sena Party, where he played a key role as a campaigner and strategist.
His MLC election on March 10 came as part of the NDA’s sweep of five MLA-quota seats—JSP secured one, TDP won three, and BJP took one. With the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) opting out due to insufficient numbers, Naga Babu’s election was uncontested.
As discussions continue about his potential cabinet portfolio, political analysts see his induction as a strategic move by Naidu and Pawan Kalyan to strengthen JSP’s presence within the coalition government.