The nomination of two ministers – Pilli Subhash Chandra Bose and Mopidevi Venkata Ramana to Rajya Sabha by YSR Congress party president and chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy has triggered speculation over the possibility of a cabinet reshuffle in the state in the coming days.
Though nothing prevents Pilli and Mopidevi to continue in the state cabinet for at least six months, even after they become the Rajya Sabha members, it is highly unlikely that Jagan will allow it and definitely ask them to put in their papers from the cabinet posts.
In such a case, there is a possibility of Jagan contemplating filling up the gaps to be created by the resignation of Pilli and Mopidevi, probably after the local body election results and following assembly sessions.
At the same time, there are reports that he might make some changes in the cabinet as well, after watching the performance of the ministers in the local body elections.
The YSRC chief has already warned that if the party loses anywhere in any part of the state, the ministers concerned with the district would be held responsible.
So, there is a possibility of one or two ministers losing their berths. There are also reports that Jagan is not happy with the performance of a couple of ministers and is waiting for an opportunity to get rid of them.
In such an event, he might drop them as part of cabinet reshuffle. He might also undertake changes in portfolios of some of the ministers, sources said.
If at all Jagan decides to expand the cabinet, who are the likely new entrants? There are quite a few aspirants for the cabinet berths who could not make it in the first attempt.
They include: K Parthasarathy, Pinneli Rama Krishna Reddy, Ambati Rambabu, Alla Ramakrishna Reddy, Dharmana Prasada Rao and Tammineni Sitaram.
Let us wait and see who would be make it to the cabinet, if the expansion takes place.