After the YSRCP has come to power in 2019, senior journalist KVR accepted the post of public policy advisor in a bid to serve people of Andhra Pradesh. KVR was accorded all the official protocols befitting to his cabinet rank post with a fat paycheck, car, staff, spacious chamber etc.
The talk of the town now is what were the circumstances leading to KVR tendering his resignation. Sources say KVR has had to spend all his time in his spacious chambers with no files coming his way. No one ever sought his advice. Even though the State government has been rolling out several welfare schemes for the people, most of the decisions taken in the course fall within the purview of public policy. However, no official or minister has ever approached KVR for suggestions. Soon enough the senior journalist realised that there are none other than the walls and furniture for him to advise.
Currently, there are more than 30 advisors appointed by the State government for different subjects, out of which, 11 have been accorded the cabinet rank. The advisors have been receiving hefty paychecks on time but have no work to do. Some of the advisors have to spend their official time in one or the other office as they still do not have their own chambers allocated.
Another rumour doing rounds is that several of the advisors who were earlier working in the Sakshi Telugu daily and TV have been appointed for these posts. The total salaries, perks and other emoluments of the advisors are reportedly costing a whopping Rs. 18 crore to the public exchequer. However, several of the advisors reportedly did not give even a single advice to the government in the subjects for which they were brought onboard.
Also, another rumour doing rounds in the corridors of power is that the entire administration is being run by a team-of-six – all belonging to a single community. Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, MP Vijaya Sai Reddy Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy, YV Subba Reddy, Rajya Sabha MP Prabhakar Reddy and former Chief Secretary Ajay Kallam reportedly run the show.
Sources say, when MPs and MLAs have no voice in the running of the government, it would be far-fetched to expect an active role for the advisors. After his initial enthusiasm died down and stark reality hit the ceiling, a senior journalist like KVR couldn’t take it and submitted his papers earnestly.
