For the first time, the Andhra Pradesh state government is moving to fill all 17 Vice Chancellor positions in the state. The move has prompted aspirants, particularly those currently serving as interim Vice-Chancellors, to actively seek favour from top Telugu Desam leaders to secure these posts. Many aspirants, including several retired professors, have intensified efforts to gain political backing, particularly from Alliance leaders like Minister Nara Lokesh. Sources indicate that professors with close ties to TD leaders are aggressively pursuing these positions. Political support and caste considerations seem to be influencing VC appointments more.