Hyderabad: The State Assembly was filled with the phrase “Congratulations Anna” on Tuesday, as some Congress leaders received greetings. This suggests that the AICC high command has finalized the names of those who will be inducted into the cabinet on April 3 or 9.
According to sources, four new ministers will be appointed to fill six existing vacancies. However, it is unclear whether two of them will be from the Reddy community or from Backward Classes (BC). One of the four will certainly be from the Scheduled Castes (SC).
The AICC is also expected to appoint a new Deputy Speaker for the State Assembly and a Chief Whip during the ongoing budget session. Reports suggest that the Deputy Speaker position has been given to a Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidate.
Another major decision under discussion is the reshuffling of ministerial portfolios, including that of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy. There are speculations that Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka may lose the Finance portfolio, and N. Uttam Kumar Reddy may not continue as the Irrigation Minister. Uttam Kumar Reddy is reportedly unhappy with criticism from the opposition regarding the state’s failure to provide irrigation water and the slow progress of projects. However, he is willing to continue handling the Civil Supplies portfolio.
The Chief Minister is expected to give up the Home portfolio but may continue overseeing the Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MAUD) department. He is particularly interested in projects like the Musi rejuvenation and Future City. A newly inducted minister is likely to take over the Home portfolio. Additionally, IT and Industries Minister D. Sridhar Babu is being considered for the Finance portfolio, while Bhatti Vikramarka may be shifted to the industries department. However, Sridhar Babu reportedly prefers the Education portfolio.
Endowments, Forest, and Environment Minister Konda Surekha has requested a change in her portfolio. Likewise, Excise, Prohibition, and Tourism Minister Jupally Krishna Rao is expected to retain all three of his portfolios unless the Chief Minister decides to appoint a new Tourism Minister to oversee the prestigious Miss World competition in May. Reports also suggest that Panchayat Raj Minister Seethakka may be given additional responsibility for the Home department. If this happens, the Panchayat Raj portfolio may be assigned to a new minister.
