After a lot of suspense and guessing, YSR Congress party president and Andhra Pradesh chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy announced the composition of his council of ministers, providing equitable representation to all major communities of the state.
Naturally, his decision to appoint five deputy chief ministers representing minorities, SC, ST, BC and Kapu communities became a big national news.
The socially inclusive cabinet comprising 14 ministers from the SC, ST, BC and minority communities also hit the headlines.
But more than Jagan’s bold decision to appoint five deputy CMs from marginalised sections, what made interesting news for the media was conspicuous missing of one prominent name – actress-turned-politician R K Roja, representing Nagari assembly constituency in Chittoor district.
It was a big disappointment for her fans, as they were of supreme confidence that Roja would definitely make it to the cabinet berth.
She had been with Jagan right from the beginning and had been strongly fighting against the Telugu Desam Party government. She used to be in the forefront of any agitation taken up by Jagan in the last five years.
However, Jagan had his own reasons for denying cabinet berth to Roja. He has given a perfect representation to all regions: North Coastal Region (4), East and West Godavari (6), Krishna and Guntur (5), Prakasam and Nellore (4), Rayalaseema (6).
Since Roja is also from Reddy community and he had already chosen Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy from Chittoor, he might have though it not appropriate to give cabinet berth to her.
However, there was a ray of hope for her fans when there were reports from the party that Jagan had asked Roja to be available in Amaravati on Saturday.
It is learnt Roja might be offered chief whip post in the assembly with cabinet rank and she will have all the privileges of a minister.
Let us wait and see what is in store for her!
