HYDERABAD: The Telangana government has announced plans to expand its cabinet following the Ugadi festival, with signals indicating that Chief Minister Revanth Reddy will finalize the list of new ministers during his upcoming visit to Delhi.
During informal discussions in the Assembly lobbies on Saturday, several hopefuls expressed optimism about the impending cabinet expansion. They anticipate that after the conclusion of the Assembly sessions, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy will travel to Delhi to finalize the auspicious time and the list of new ministers. The expansion has already been delayed, and the leadership is ready to proceed as soon as possible, considering various groups, districts, and promises in the distribution of ministerial positions.
Munugode MLA Rajagopal Reddy expressed confidence that good days would come for everyone after Ugadi, and the cabinet expansion would take place. He mentioned that both new and old ministers would work together, leading to more effective governance for the people. He also expressed confidence that he would be granted a ministerial position as per the leadership’s assurance. He recalled that his goal of ousting family rule in Telangana was achieved in the Assembly elections. He noted that Finance Minister Bhatti Vikramarka is allocating funds to implement Congress guarantees.
Senior Congress MLA Sudarshan Reddy opined that the cabinet expansion might occur in the first week of next month. He stated that he would work efficiently in any department assigned to him, recalling his previous responsibilities in the medical and minor irrigation departments, where he studied deficiencies and set things in order. When asked about the rumors of him being appointed as Home Minister, he replied that he would work according to the rules, regardless of the department assigned.
Ibrahimpatnam MLA Malreddy Ranga Reddy pointed out that the Greater Hyderabad area lacks representation in the cabinet, even though half of the state’s population resides within the GHMC limits. He emphasized that the united Ranga Reddy and Hyderabad districts should be given priority in the cabinet expansion. It is rumored that when Chief Minister Revanth Reddy offered him the position of Chief Whip instead of a ministerial post, Malreddy declined, stating that he is only interested in a ministerial position. He is reportedly making significant efforts to secure a ministerial berth in this expansion.
