Hyderabad: The planned expansion of the state’s Cabinet has faced another delay. Despite efforts from the local leaders, the Congress high command has not approved the new appointments yet. The delay arises because the proposed names for the Cabinet do not align with the party’s ‘social justice’ principles. Recent trips to Delhi by Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and TPCC President B Mahesh Kumar Goud have not resolved this issue.
Currently, the political climate in Telangana and internal disputes within Congress have shifted the focus away from Cabinet expansion. Although the presence of the TPCC President and Chief Minister in Delhi sparked discussions among Congress members, the main priority remains the upcoming local body elections in Telangana.
Cabinet expansion discussions are expected to resume only after these elections. Until the results are out, the state leadership will likely stay silent on the matter, according to party insiders.
In addition, the state leadership must fulfill the promise of a 42% quota for Backward Classes (BCs) in the local body elections. With Revanth Reddy suggesting elections might occur in July, BC leaders within the party are expected to push for more tickets. As a BC leader, Mahesh Goud faces the challenge of delivering this quota. Performance in these elections might result in some ministers losing their positions, opening up opportunities for more MLAs to join the Cabinet.
Currently, the Cabinet comprises 11 ministers, including the Chief Minister, leaving six positions unfilled. CM Revanth Reddy manages major sectors like Municipal Administration & Urban Development (MA&UD), General Administration, and Law & Order (Home), which affects governance. Additionally, regions like Adilabad, Nizamabad, Ranga Reddy, and Hyderabad lack representation in the Cabinet. Lawmakers from these areas have been actively lobbying for inclusion, but clarity on Cabinet changes will only come after the local elections, as per Congress sources.
