Revanth Reddy likely to meet AICC leadership amid cabinet expansion buzz

Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy is likely to visit New Delhi on September 3 amid growing speculation over cabinet expansion and a possible reshuffle. The developments come ahead of the Assembly session and amid controversy involving Minister Konda Surekha.

Hyderabad: After Forest Minister Konda Surekha and Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy is now expected to meet the AICC leadership in New Delhi to discuss a few issues, including cabinet expansion.

The Chief Minister is likely to fly to New Delhi on September 3. With the State Assembly session scheduled to begin on September 7, his proposed visit has triggered speculation in Gandhi Bhavan about a possible cabinet expansion and reshuffle.

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Amid the controversy over allegations made by Konda Surekha’s daughter Konda Sushmitha against the Chief Minister, the Forest Minister met AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge in Bengaluru. Within days, Bhatti Vikramarka also met the AICC chief.

The TPCC Disciplinary Committee has already submitted its report on the episode involving the Forest Minister to TPCC president Mahesh Kumar Goud. It remains unclear whether the report has been forwarded to the AICC leadership for examination.

Against this backdrop, Revanth Reddy’s tentative Delhi visit has fuelled speculation that he may discuss the Forest Minister issue with the party high command. At the same time, several MLAs have been lobbying for cabinet berths and making efforts to secure the high command’s approval. A few legislators from the erstwhile Rangareddy and Nizamabad districts have also made repeated visits to New Delhi.

Apart from cabinet expansion, there is strong speculation that the high command may approve a reshuffle of a few portfolios. This has reportedly left some Ministers worried, particularly after AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal had earlier expressed displeasure over the performance of a few Ministers.

There are currently two vacancies in the State cabinet. If a couple of Ministers are dropped as part of a reshuffle, the government could make way for the induction of up to four MLAs or MLCs.

Meanwhile, Government Advisor K Keshava Rao is learnt to have pitched the name of his daughter and Women’s Commission Chairperson Gadwal Vijayalaxmi for a cabinet berth under the BC quota. Vemulawada MLA Aadi Srinivas and MLC Vijayashanthi are also believed to be among the probable from the same community.