Telugu Desam Party president and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has never been known as an ardent believer in astrology or ritualistic practices during much of his four-decade political career.
Of late, however, there appears to have been a noticeable change in his approach.
While Naidu has traditionally been seen as a pragmatic leader who focused more on political strategy than religious rituals, allegations have now surfaced that Vastu consultations and special ceremonies are playing a significant role in his decision-making.
According to a report in a vernacular daily, Naidu was once reluctant even to disclose his family lineage, or gotra, for temple rituals and believed that political success depended more on planning than astrology.
He now reportedly consults Vastu experts on matters ranging from the arrangement of his office to the direction in which he should sit during official meetings.
It is also alleged that changes have been made inside the Chief Minister’s Office based on Vastu recommendations, while religious rituals and homams have become a regular feature at his residence.
At the centre of these allegations is Vastu consultant Jayarami Reddy, reportedly a native of Marteru, who is said to have developed close ties with Naidu and his family over the past three to four years.
Political circles claim that he played a key role in designing Naidu’s sprawling residence, which is under construction at Undavalli.
He allegedly assured the Chief Minister that once the house was completed and the housewarming ceremony was performed, all his political adversaries would be eliminated.
Jayarami Reddy is also said to have been involved in planning arrangements for the Telugu Desam Party’s proposed Mahanadu event in Nellore, which was eventually cancelled.
The consultant’s growing proximity to Naidu’s family has reportedly become widely known within the TDP, with party leaders allegedly treating him with considerable respect.
Sources said a ministerial aspirant recently approached the Vastu consultant seeking his support for a berth in the anticipated cabinet expansion.
According to these claims, Jayarami Reddy allegedly remarked that the cabinet expansion could not go ahead without his approval.
“Naidu cannot take any major decision without my green signal,” he reportedly told the aspirant.
Earlier, there were reports that astrologer Srinivasa Gargeya had been advising Naidu on astrological matters, though the issue never came out in the open.
Now, however, Jayarami Reddy’s name is being discussed more openly within party circles.
