Hyderabad: The Congress leadership in Telangana has expanded the state cabinet to include ministers from the Mala, Madiga, and Mudiraj communities. This decision highlights the party’s focus on maintaining its vote bank over immediate pressures from various powerful groups.
Despite strong lobbying from influential communities like Reddy, Velama, Kamma, and Kapu, these groups were not given cabinet positions. Some legislators from these communities hoped to become ministers but were overlooked, which may lead to dissatisfaction among them.
Prominent leaders such as P Sudhrshan Reddy from Bodhan, Malreddy Ranga Reddy from Ibrahimpatnam, and Komatireddy Rajagopal Reddy from Munugode expressed their disappointment. Additionally, K Premsagar Rao from Velama, Ellareddy MLA Madanmohan from the Kamma caste, and D Nagendar from the Kapu community also pressured the party for inclusion but were ignored. The Congress chose not to delay the cabinet expansion despite these internal pressures.
Meenakshi Natarajan, the state Congress in-charge, played a crucial role in selecting the new ministers. The emphasis on Mala and Madiga leaders, such as G Vivek and A Laxman, is significant due to recent legal changes affecting the sub-categorization of SC communities. Makthal MLA V Srihari was also included, recognizing the large vote base of the Mudiraj community.
The addition of these ministers increases the Telangana cabinet to 12 members, including the Chief Minister. Six positions remain open for future expansion, with three new vacancies after the recent swearing-in. Party sources indicate that these positions will be filled in due time with members from other communities.
In response to the unrest among senior leaders not selected, Meenakshi Natarajan and TPCC president Mahesh Kumar Goud are engaging with them, assuring recognition of their contributions soon. Rangareddy threatened to leave the party if not included, prompting urgent discussions to address his grievances.
