If media speculations are to be believed, newly elected Congress MLC and actress M Vijayashanti is likely to secure a berth in the Revanth Reddy cabinet soon.
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, along with Deputy CM Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy, and Pradesh Congress Committee President B Mahesh Kumar Goud, left for New Delhi on Monday evening following a summons from the party high command.
The leaders are scheduled to meet top AICC officials to discuss recent political developments in Telangana, as well as the long-delayed cabinet expansion. The discussions will also review ongoing government programmes in the state.
The meeting is expected to assess the status of poll promises — those fulfilled, those pending — and chalk out strategies to counter the opposition's growing criticism of the Revanth-led government.
Party sources indicate that the cabinet expansion may take place by Ugadi, following the conclusion of the Assembly budget sessions. However, speculation continues over who will be inducted.
There are six vacancies in the Revanth Reddy cabinet, and the high command has reportedly shortlisted eight candidates for ministerial roles.
Among the names under consideration are Komatireddy Rajagopal Reddy, P. Sudarshan Reddy, and Prem Sagar Rao. From the SC community, Kadiam Srihari, Gaddam Vivek, and Addanki Dayakar are said to be in the mix.
There is also speculation that a representative from the minority community will be inducted, with MLC Ameer Ali Khan’s name being considered.
The most intriguing name on the list is that of M. Vijayashanti, being considered under the women’s quota.
Currently, there are only two women ministers in the Revanth cabinet—Konda Surekha and D. Seethakka. Vijayashanti is said to be actively lobbying for the third spot.
