Gandhi Bhavan sources have indicated that the cabinet expansion being delayed for the last more than a year is finally to take place on April 3. It is also believed that there may be a minor reshuffle along with the expansion of the cabinet. Presently, there are six vacancies in the cabinet quota, and it is known that the names of 30 hopefuls have been sent to the high command.
It is reported that two positions may be kept vacant to appease those who are frustrated with the expectation of ministerial posts. It is believed that women minister Konda Surekha is likely to be dropped out from the cabinet due to her involvement in a series of controversies.
Particularly, the Congress high-command is angry with her dispute with film actor Nagarjuna’s family. According to sources Nagarjuna had met Rahul Gandhi and complained about her. Moreover, she is unable to sail with other Congress MLAs in her Warangal district. On the other hand, the other women minister Seethakka is likely to be elevated with the crucial Home portfolio.
In the way surprising everyone, without TPCC formal recommendation film actress Vijayawanti was able to get MLC post, is now also said to be likely to be inducted into the cabinet in the place of Surekha. In fact, her name is not in the list of 30 aspirants prepared by the TPCC. One more minister is also said to be dropped from the cabinet.
Among the new entrants, the names of Munugode MLA Komatireddy Rajagopal Reddy from Nalgonda district and Chennur MLA Gaddam Vivek Venkataswamy from Adilabad district are being heard. It is learnt that Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy is insisting on giving a ministerial post to his wife Padmavati or to appoint as Deputy Speaker.
Moreover, he is also insisting on key portfolios like finance or revenue. There is a buzz that the name of Maktal MLA Vakiti Srihari from Mahabubnagar district has been finalized from the BC community. The name of MLC Ameer Ali Khan is being considered for the minority quota.
There is a heated discussion in Gandhi Bhavan circles that the portfolios of seven ministers will change in the cabinet expansion. It is known that two ministers from Khammam district and another minister from Medak district are in this list.
If Rajagopal Reddy gets the post of minister, there is a possibility that his brother Venkat Reddy will change the portfolio. There is a campaign going on that the Panchayat Raj portfolio will be removed from Minister Seethakka and another portfolio will be assigned.
