After months of speculation, the long-awaited expansion of the Telangana Cabinet is finally set to take place.
The Congress high command has granted approval for the cabinet expansion, which is now scheduled for Sunday.
According to sources, three new ministers will be inducted.
The Cabinet has not been expanded for over a year and a half, leading to increased restlessness among party leaders seeking ministerial berths. Many aspirants have been lobbying the party's top leadership in hopes of securing a position, with both newly elected and senior MLAs making multiple trips to New Delhi to press their claims. Since Meenakshi Natarajan took charge as the AICC in-charge for Telangana, numerous MLAs eyeing ministerial roles have approached her too for support.
The Congress high command has finally now signalled that the expansion will proceed. Sources indicate that the Chief Minister has formally requested Raj Bhavan to initiate preparations, and the official announcement is expected from Raj Bhavan shortly.
It is likely that three MLAs will be inducted in the upcoming reshuffle, though the final list remains under wraps. Party insiders recall that Chief Minister Revanth Reddy had promised during the previous election to provide an opportunity for the Mudiraj (BC) community. Madiga (SC) MLAs have also been aggressively lobbying. As a result, there is growing anticipation that MLAs from the BC, SC and ST communities may find a place in the new line-up.