Wannabe ministers busy building castles in air

HYDERABAD, April 30: It is unwise to count your chickens before they are hatched, especially in the fickle world of electoral politics.

But say that to the irrepressible politicians of the state who are busy building castles in the air even before the votes have been counted.
Many of them are thinking aloud about the plum posts they would get and others are already behaving like ministers handling major portfolios. The hype is much more in the Telugu Desam when compared to other parties, thanks to excitement created by the party chief, Mr N. Chandrababu Naidu, who is exuding confidence about returning to power.
Reports that Mr Naidu had even discussed the shape of the government with senior party leaders have given added verve to his followers. There are rumours that Mr Naidu is sending his son, Mr Lokesh, abroad to “study” the cash transfer scheme and is also planning to create a new ministry for its successful implementation. In fact, low-key bickering has already started among TD leaders about portfolios.
Even seniors are not keen on handling the finance department (because of Mr Naidu’s freebies) and the CTS portfolio.
Since the TD has been out of power for the last five years, most leaders want only “attractive” portfolios which will keep them in limelight. Similarly, some Praja Rajyam leaders are also dreaming big believing Chiranjeevi’s predictions of a silent revolution.
Interestingly, the Congress leaders are maintaining a low profile saying there is no point in eyeing ministerial berths before the results are out. “No candidate is sure of victory in a multi-cornered contest,” said a Congress leader, striking a sober note.