Hyderabad: Andhra Pradesh chief minister and TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu is making swift moves keeping in view of forthcoming elections. Naidu wants to field few strong MLC leaders as MLA candidates giving a clear message that TDP is confident of retaining power.

Recently, the government Whip Ramasubba Reddy resigned from MLC post and latest was minister Somireddy Chandramohan Reddy. Resigning from MLC positions and contesting in direct elections will strengthen the confidence levels of party cadres across the state, observe political analysts.

Moreover, this will create enough room for Naidu to accommodate those who don’t get MLA tickets. It’s expected that about 13 MLA positions become vacant and Naidu wants to leverage on this by accommodated new faces as well.

“Ramasubba Reddy’s resignation was conditional, but Somireddy’s resignation was unexpected move. He already said his decision was with prior approval of Naidu. All these indications further confirm that TDP is very strategic on fielding potential candidates in Assembly and Lok Sabha constituencies. Somireedy was appointed as MLC in Governor’s quota. So separate notification is not required. The chief minister can suggest another candidate by just sending a letter to the Governor,” remarked the analyst.

Minister Narayana’s term is expiring by March 2019 and he wants to contest in Assembly elections. Another minister Nara Lokesh may also resign as he will be contesting as MLA candidate. Nelluru Mayor Aziz wants to contest as MLA candidate, but Naidu wants to appoint him as MLC, said a party source.