The TTD is all set to welcome its new chairman-IAS officer Dr K Lakshminarayana. This was a deliberate choice by the Chandrababu Naidu government since it did not want to dedicate the post to an MP or an MLA. Hence, despite extensive lobbying by MP Rayapati Sambasiva Rao and MP Murali Mohan, the post was given to the senior IAS officer for his integrity and spirituality.

The fact that he is away from politics, but was known in the political circuit added to his favour. The government had previously drawn ire for its appointment of a North Indian-Anil Kumar Singhal as the TTD EO. An IAS officer, Singhal's appointment had sparked controversy because of his unrelated origins.

However, the government was adamant in its decision given the corruption charges that were levied on a former TTD board member- Mr Shekhar Reddy. While this had already tarnished the image of the TTD, the government had therefore decided to stay clear of politicians and businessmen in the chairman appointment.

However, there is another reason why Dr Lakshminarayana has been appointed for the post. He and Chandrababu Naidu were close aides in 1972. They studied together at Sri Venkateswara University in Tirupati.  While Naidu was elected as an MLA, Lakshminarayana was selected as a Group I officer by the APPSC. When Naidu became a minister in 1980, Lakshminarayana worked in his peshi. He also served in the chief minister's office between 1983-1989 and between 1995-2004.

Furthermore, Lakshminarayana is known for his administrative capacity and integrity. While some people are unhappy with his appointment, there are many others who supported the move saying that the selection of a candidate who is non-controversial is a good sign.