The
removal of DL Ravindra Reddy from the State Cabinet evoked mixed reactions from within, and from outside the Congress party.
Panchayat Raj Minister K Jana Reddy described D L's removal from the cabinet as "painful". He has reportedly discussed the issue with Deputy Chief Minister Damodar Raja Narasimha, and both have agreed to convene a meeting with the party leaders on the issue.
However, Tribal Welfare Minister P Balaraju defended Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy's decision and said it was his (the CM's) prerogative to induct or drop members in his cabinet.
Health Minister Kondru Murali Mohan also supported the move, although he claimed that it was beneath his stature to comment on the removal of Ravindra Reddy from the cabinet.
Meanwhile, senior Congress leader K Keshav Rao, who is all set to join the TRS, criticised Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy over the way D L was removed from the cabinet. He said it was incorrect to sack ministers at one's whims and fancies. (INN)