It appears that the proposed expansion of the Telangana state cabinet, led by Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, is being postponed once again, as the Congress high command is reportedly unhappy with some of the names shortlisted by the chief minister for induction into the cabinet.
According to initial indications from the state Congress, the cabinet expansion was scheduled to take place on Thursday, April 3.
Revanth Reddy had met Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma on Sunday and sought time for the swearing-in ceremony of the newly inducted ministers.
Reports suggested that Revanth Reddy, along with his senior ministers, had finalized the list of new cabinet members.
Four names were said to have been sent to the high command: P Sudarshan Reddy, Komatireddy Raj Gopal Reddy, Thatikonda Srihari, and G Vivek.
However, last-minute developments from Delhi have brought unexpected twists to the process.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has reportedly intervened in the cabinet selection and raised objections to certain names on the list. With these new developments, the cabinet expansion now faces further uncertainty.
The chief minister, who rushed to Delhi on Tuesday night to participate in the BC Dharna on Wednesday, is reportedly discussing the issue with Rahul Gandhi and is likely revising the list, with two additional names now under consideration.
Rahul Gandhi is said to have particularly questioned the inclusion of Komatireddy Raj Gopal Reddy, as his brother, Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, is already serving as a minister.
Rahul reportedly raised concerns about offering another cabinet berth to a member of the same family.
However, party leaders argue that both Raj Gopal Reddy and G Vivek were promised cabinet berths at the time of their induction into the Congress party. The final decision is now pending as the party leadership reconsiders the list.
Adding to the pressure, senior Congress leader Jana Reddy has written to the party high command, demanding cabinet representation for the undivided Ranga Reddy and Hyderabad districts, which currently have no ministers in the state cabinet.
Meanwhile, lobbying efforts have intensified in Delhi, with several leaders from various social backgrounds pushing for inclusion in the cabinet.