Decode Politics: Is Telangana Cabinet expansion imminent? Why there is a buzz again

What seemingly works in the favour of the four is that they are veteran leaders and are seen to have their support base. The CM is said to be in favour of Ali and Kodandaram getting into the Cabinet. However, Rajagopal and Vivek will make the cut only if they get the high command’s approval, according to insiders.

The Congress’ reluctance to induct more Reddy leaders in the Cabinet may also work against Rajagopal. “More leaders from the Backward Classes are likely to make their way into the Cabinet though the CM is tight-lipped about it. There is also a demand that a leader from the Backward Classes community be made the Deputy CM,” said a Congress leader.

What is the current composition of the Cabinet?

Revanth holds the Municipal Administration and Urban Development, General Administration, Law and Order, and all other unallocated portfolios. Deputy CM Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka handles Finance and Planning, and Energy. N Uttam Kumar Reddy handles Irrigation, and Food and Civil Supplies while Damodar Rajanarasimha is the minister for Health, Medical and Family Welfare, and Science and Technology.

Other ministers are Komatireddy Venkat Reddy (Roads & Buildings, and Cinematography), D Sridhar Babu (Information Technology, Electronics and Communications, Industries and Commerce, and Legislative Affairs), Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy (Revenue and Housing, Information and Public Relations), Ponnam Prabhakar (Transport and BC Welfare), Konda Surekha (Environment & Forests and Endowment), D Anasuya (Panchayat Raj & Rural Development, including Rural Water Supply, and Women & Child Welfare), Tummala Nageswara Rao (Agriculture, Marketing, Cooperation, and Handlooms & Textiles), and Jupally Krishna Rao (Prohibition & Excise; Tourism & Culture, and Archaeology).

Is there a need to expand the Cabinet?

Seemingly, in a sign of the party’s internal rift coming to the fore, especially against ministers such as Srinivasa Reddy, 10 Congress MLAs held a “secret meeting” earlier this month. The legislators who attended the meeting are Naini Rajender Reddy, Anirudh Reddy, Laxmi Kantha Rao, D Madhava Reddy, B Ilaiah, Bhoopathi Reddy, Y Srinivas Reddy, Murali Naik, K Rajesh Reddy, and Sanjeev Reddy.

A Congress leader said the meeting was viewed as a sign of an “internal rebellion”. “It was quelled, and soon afterwards, the Cabinet got busy with the outcome of the caste survey and SC sub-categorisation. Hence, not much attention was given to the meeting,” said the party functionary.

The central leadership intervened and managed to iron out the differences. Revanth Reddy himself urged the MLAs not to hold personal meetings without the permission of the high command. Some Congress insiders said the Cabinet expansion would be undertaken to placate some of those who are sulking.

What triggered the latest speculation?

The latest buzz was fuelled by the CM’s February 15 trip to Delhi along with Telangana Congress chief B Mukesh Kumar Goud. The two met the party’s central leadership, including Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi. They are said to have informed the high command about the planned rejig. “Gandhi is believed to have given his assent to the Cabinet expansion this time,” a party leader said.