Following the ruling Congress party’s emphatic victory in recent municipal elections, Telangana chief minister A Revanth Reddy has grown from strength to strength, winning the confidence of the party high command.
According to party sources, this is perhaps for the first time after late Y S Rajasekhar Reddy that the Congress high command has developed tremendous confidence on the leadership of Revanth Reddy as the chief minister; and is said to have given full powers to decide on the candidates and making organisational changes.
It is learnt the party leadership is now preparing to implement organisational and governmental changes, including a possible cabinet expansion and reshuffle.
Sources indicate that the state government has given the green signal to finalise appointments and structural changes in line with Revanth Reddy’s preferences.
This could include filling existing cabinet vacancies and making two to three key changes in ministerial portfolios.
Revanth Reddy is currently in Delhi holding consultations with senior party leaders and the high command, aiming to further strengthen the party politically.
The leadership is said to be inclined to give him a free hand in finalising cabinet expansion and appointments to nominated posts.
However, the timing of the reshuffle is being carefully considered. With upcoming Zilla Parishad and Greater Hyderabad elections on the horizon, there are concerns that reshuffling the cabinet immediately could trigger dissatisfaction among leaders who may not receive positions, potentially affecting electoral prospects.
Party insiders suggest that the chief minister may wait until after these elections to implement the cabinet expansion. Meanwhile, several aspirants are reportedly lobbying in Delhi for ministerial positions.
Speculation is also growing that two or three current ministers could be dropped.
Among those considered to be in the race for cabinet berths are leaders from Ranga Reddy and Nalgonda districts, including Mal Reddy Rangareddy and Tandur MLA Ram Mohan Reddy. However, indications suggest that Komatireddy Rajagopal Reddy may not be accommodated.
There is also talk that the chief minister may consider elevating a current cabinet minister as TPCC chief and inducting Mahesh Goud into the cabinet.
Political circles are closely watching the decisions Revanth Reddy may take following his Delhi visit.