Khairatabad bypoll, MLC elections likely to delay Revanth cabinet expansion

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy’s Kerala visit has sparked speculation within the Telangana Congress over the implications of Danam Nagender’s disqualification, the upcoming MLC and possible Khairatabad by-elections, and the long-pending Cabinet expansion.

Hyderabad: Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy’s visit to Kerala on Friday triggered speculation within Gandhi Bhavan on several issues, including the impact of Danam Nagender’s disqualification, the ensuing MLC elections and the long-pending Cabinet expansion.

Many leaders believe that the State leadership could delay the Cabinet expansion further, citing the upcoming elections. Even before the ruling party could come to terms with the removal of Warangal East MLA Konda Surekha from the Cabinet, Danam Nagender’s disqualification has posed a fresh challenge.

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A section of leaders believe that the Chief Minister briefed AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal about Danam Nagender’s disqualification.

Despite the Chief Minister’s claims and assurances to BRS MLAs who joined the Congress that they would not face by-elections for defecting to the ruling party, Danam Nagender’s disqualification has come as a major jolt to the ruling party.

After facing embarrassment over encouraging defections, the Telangana Congress, along with the AICC, is expected to deal with the follow-up action plan with utmost care.

In this context, a section of leaders opined that preparing for the MLC elections and the Khairatabad by-election would be a priority for the State leadership over Cabinet expansion.

“In my opinion, the Chief Minister would have definitely discussed the inevitable Khairatabad by-election and the ensuing MLC elections and candidature with KC Venugopal,” a senior leader from Gandhi Bhavan said.

In contrast, another section of leaders felt that Cabinet expansion had already been delayed for long. Any further delay could be counterproductive for the party, considering that only two years are left in the Congress government’s term.

Meanwhile, TPCC president Mahesh Kumar Goud completed his two-year term this month. There has been no official announcement so far on the appointment of a successor.