AICC: Cabinet expansion approved, dates not fixed

The AICC central leadership has given the go-ahead to Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy to proceed with the proposed Cabinet expansion soon. Revanth Reddy, along with Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, and TPCC president and MLC B. Mahesh Kumar Goud held a detailed meeting on the proposed Cabinet expansion with the party's central leadership in New Delhi on Monday (March 24) night. On reaching New Delhi, Revanth Reddy, Mr. Bhatti, Mr. Uttam, and Mr. Mahesh met AICC leader Rahul Gandhi, party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, and party general secretary K.C. Venugopal.

Expansion likely next month

Highly placed sources said, "We had useful discussions on state politics, and the party high command has given us the green signal for cabinet expansion. The date has not been decided, but expansion is likely." Another source said the expansion will most likely take place next month. The source said, "The high command has taken our views, and the names suggested by the leaders were discussed." He said the central leadership has agreed to a full expansion to fill the six vacancies in the council of ministers.

Appointment can be made on 6 vacant posts

The state council of ministers has 12 members against the full strength of 18, including the chief minister, leaving six more posts to be filled. Reliable sources said the names of senior Nizamabad MLA and former minister P. Sudarshan Reddy (Bodhan), Komatireddy Rajagopal Reddy (Munugode), G. Vivekananda (Chennur), T. Rammohan Reddy (Parigi), Vakti Srihari (Makthal), and Premsagar Rao (Mancherial) were discussed. "There was unanimity among the four leaders on the names of some candidates, but the final decision rests with the AICC leadership," sources said.

Discussion on welfare and development programmes

The meeting deliberated upon the ongoing welfare and development programmes, especially on the health and education front. The proposed Integrated Residential School Complex Scheme was discussed in detail, while the 42% quota for backward classes in education, employment, and local bodies was also deliberated upon. The results of the Socio-Economic Caste Survey and the SC Sub-Categorisation Act were also discussed, sources said. The central leadership also discussed the long-pending proposed reorganisation of the Pradesh Congress Committee executive. The state leadership had already sent its tentative list of leaders to be included in the executive. In an informal conversation with reporters after the meeting, Mr. Mahesh Kumar Gaur said the AICC leaders asked about various welfare and development programmes. For the latest news and updates on Hyderabad and more, visit Vaartha Hyderabad and check out the Vaartha E-paper.