Revanth Reddy’s Delhi Visit Fuels Buzz Over Telangana Cabinet Expansion
Chief minister likely to discuss party affairs, pending projects and Cabinet reshuffle with Congress high command
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy is likely to visit New Delhi on Saturday to meet senior AICC leaders and discuss party affairs as well as governance-related issues concerning Telangana.
Sources said the chief minister is also expected to meet Union ministers to seek approvals for pending funds and key infrastructure projects related to the state.
Revanth Reddy’s proposed Delhi visit has triggered intense speculation within Congress circles over a possible expansion and reshuffle of the state Cabinet. Party sources said that with Assembly elections in five states completed and political uncertainty in Tamil Nadu and Kerala settled, the AICC leadership is now expected to focus on pending organisational and political matters related to Telangana.
The Congress government in Telangana is set to complete half of its five-year term on June 7. However, even after nearly two-and-a-half years in office, the state is yet to have a full-strength Cabinet. Against the sanctioned strength of 18 ministers, including the chief minister, the Cabinet currently has 16 members, leaving two berths vacant.
Sources indicated that Revanth Reddy is keen to complete the Cabinet expansion at the earliest. Speculation is also rife that he may seek approval from the party high command to drop a few ministers, induct new faces, and reshuffle portfolios of certain Cabinet members.
Apart from Cabinet expansion, several nominated posts in state-run corporations and government bodies also remain vacant, increasing pressure from party leaders seeking appointments.
