The appointment of the next president of the Telangana Congress and the much-awaited cabinet expansion is expected within a week, according to party sources. A senior AICC leader told that Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy is likely to travel to New Delhi on Wednesday to finalize the TPCC chief and cabinet berths with the party high command.
“In case his visit to Delhi is canceled, the discussion with the party high command will be held over the phone, and names will be finalized. The cabinet expansion may take place either a day before or after Amavasya, which falls on Friday and stretches into the early hours of Saturday. There is a possibility of announcing the TPCC chief before Friday,” the senior AICC leader stated.
The party leadership in Delhi has already discussed potential candidates with Deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka and Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, in addition to the CM, during their recent visit to New Delhi.
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Sources indicated that the appointment of the new TPCC president and the filling of cabinet berths are interconnected, and a minor reshuffle in the portfolios of some ministers cannot be ruled out. If a Madiga community leader is appointed as TPCC chief, one or two BCs (Backward Classes) would be inducted into the cabinet. Similarly, if a BC or a tribal leader is chosen as TPCC chief, then SCs (Scheduled Castes) or BCs will receive priority in cabinet berths, respectively.
“The appointment of the new TPCC president and the cabinet berths will be made to maintain caste balance,” a source said, adding that a minor reshuffle in the portfolios of some ministers is possible. The likelihood of a Reddy community leader being appointed as TPCC chief is remote, sources added.
District representation, caste equations, social justice, and assurances given to some leaders will be considered before finalizing the names. There is talk in Congress circles that Komatireddy Raj Gopal Reddy was promised a cabinet berth when he rejoined Congress from BJP. Even Chennur MLA G. Vivek was given some assurances, party leaders said.
The AICC is also keen to include a Muslim member in Revanth’s cabinet. Currently, there is no minority community representation in the ministry as no Muslim candidate won in the recent assembly polls. The possibility of inducting a Muslim into the cabinet by giving an MLC seat is being considered.
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