Cabinet reshuffle possibility leaves many jittery in Telangana

Speculation over a cabinet reshuffle in Telangana has put Ministers on edge despite A. Revanth Reddy ruling out immediate changes. Political calculations around social representation and upcoming elections continue to fuel uncertainty within the ruling Indian National Congress

Hyderabad: With elections in Kerala and other States just a few days away, speculation over a possible cabinet reshuffle and expansion has left several Ministers on an edge. Many are waiting to see if changes will follow once the polling process concludes.

The buzz has persisted since February, when Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy met the All India Congress Committee leadership in New Delhi. Soon after that meeting, the government appointed whips in both the Assembly and the Legislative Council, adding to the speculation.

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Political observers believe that any cabinet exercise would have to factor in social equations to avoid dissent. At present, there are two vacancies in the cabinet, and there is talk that some existing Ministers could be asked to step down to accommodate new faces. Among the front runners for a cabinet berth are Munugode MLA Komatireddy Rajgopal Reddy, Ibrahimpatnam MLA Malreddy Rangareddy and Parigi MLA Rammohan Reddy.

However, the cabinet already has significant representation from the Reddy community. Any fresh induction from the same group would likely require an existing member to step aside. Leaders from Munnuru Kapu and Yadav communities have also been pressing for representation.

There is also no representation from the Lambada community in the current cabinet. Devarkonda MLA Balu Naik and Dornakal MLA Ramchander Naik are among those seeking a berth. Amid these developments, a section of Ministers remains concerned about their positions. Despite the ongoing speculation, A Revanth Reddy has publicly ruled out any immediate plans for a cabinet reshuffle or expansion.

Meanwhile, a section of leaders at Gandhi Bhavan has dismissed the speculation. They say such leaks in a select media are meant to keep leaders and cadre engaged. Without that sense of anticipation, they argue, participation in party programmes may decline.