Hyderabad October 17
With the Congress high command now focused on expanding the Telangana cabinet, aspirants have intensified their lobbying efforts, highlighting their seniority and dedication to the party in hopes of securing ministerial positions. The expansion is expected to be finalized by the end of the month.
The Telangana Congress government, led by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, collapsed last December. At that time, the CM and 11 other ministers were sworn in. Despite ongoing speculation about cabinet expansion, Congress leaders were preoccupied with elections in Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana, delaying any action. However, with those elections now concluded, CM Revanth Reddy is expected to visit Delhi soon. Reports suggest that Deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka, ministers Uttam Kumar Reddy, Sridhar Babu, and TPCC President Mahesh Kumar Goud will accompany him. Clarity on the cabinet expansion is anticipated following these discussions.
There is growing speculation that four more members will be added to the cabinet, with North Telangana districts likely to be prioritized. PCC Chief Mahesh Kumar Goud’s recent remarks have raised fresh hopes among aspirants, who have intensified their efforts following the announcement that cabinet expansion is imminent.
Among the prominent contenders is senior leader Prem Sagar Rao from the joint Adilabad district, currently the MLA from Mancherial, who has publicly expressed his hope for a ministerial post, citing his long-standing service to the Congress party. However, Rao remains deferential to the high command, emphasizing that the top leadership will ultimately decide who is most deserving of the post.
Brothers Vivek and Vinod from Adilabad are also actively lobbying at the national level. While Vivek’s son already serves as the MP for Peddapalli, Vinod is pushing for a cabinet post, leveraging the “Kaka family quota” in recognition of their late father Kaka Venkataswamy’s contribution to the Congress party in Telangana.
In the joint Nizamabad district, senior leader and Bodhan MLA Sudarshan Reddy is seen as a frontrunner. With four Congress MLAs in the district, Reddy stands out due to his experience, having served as a minister during the YS Rajasekhara Reddy government.
Additionally, Yellareddy MLA Madan Mohan Rao, along with several other SC, ST, and BC MLAs, are also lobbying for cabinet positions. These leaders are pushing for greater representation from backward and marginalized communities, positioning themselves as strong candidates for inclusion in the upcoming expansion.
As lobbying efforts escalate and aspirants await the high command’s decision, the political dynamics in Telangana are poised for significant change. With strong indications that cabinet expansion will happen soon, the state’s political landscape could shift in the coming days.
