Next month may see a fresh face in the Telugu Desam, namely, actor Balakrishna, who is being tipped for a key post in the party.
Sources said Balakrishna could be inducted as general secretary and be given a place in the politburo as a full-fledged member or special invitee.
If Balakrishna gets the coveted post, he would be the second member from the NTR clan to play a key role in party affairs, after brother and party MP N. Harikrishna.
“I personally feel that he would be given a key post in keeping with his stature. It could be general secretary or working president. He would also be a part of the politburo, the key decision-making body,” a senior TD leader said and added, “The induction will be done before August 15.”
TD leaders say the induction of Balakrishna would certainly infuse fresh blo-od in a party reeling under defeats and defections.
Sources claimed that Mr Naidu is keen on roping in both Jr NTR and son Lokesh at an appropriate time, to create a youthful image for the party.
Balakrishna had said a week ago that he would take an active role in TD affairs and had backed brother-in-law and party president N. Chandrababu Naidu to lead the party in the 2014 elections. He also dismissed the demand for a change of leadership.
At present there are 16 politburo members including, Mr Naidu and 11 state general secretaries in the party. Recently, politburo member U. Kalpana quit the party and is likely to join the YSR Congress.