Meenakshi Natarajan Pacifies Rebuffed Cabinet Aspirants

The expansion of the Cabinet has created a new set of challenges for the Telangana Congress. While the selected trio celebrate their new power, others are disappointed by unmet expectations.

Congress MLAs Sudarshan Reddy from Nizamabad, Komatireddy Rajgopal Reddy from Munugode and Prem Sagar Rao from Mancherial were confident that they would be appointed to the Cabinet. They had frequently communicated this expectation to their supporters and followers. However, they now face significant disappointment as the party leadership has not favoured them.

Several other aspirants too expressed their dissatisfaction, with some even switching off their mobile phones.

In response to the situation, AICC in-charge Meenakshi Natarajan took the initiative to meet with the MLAs who were hoping to secure Cabinet positions, seeking to soothe their discontent.

Natarajan, along with TPCC President Mahesh Kumar Goud, minister Ponnam Prabhakar, Chief Minister's advisor Vem Narender Reddy and MP Anil Yadav, visited MLA Sudarshan Reddy's residence in Hyderabad to discuss the matter with him.

Sudarshan Reddy had been considered a prominent candidate for a Cabinet position and expressed dissatisfaction after his name was not included among the three MLAs selected. In response, Natarajan reportedly reassured him and attempted to explain the party's selection process. She said that of the 18 Cabinet positions 15 slots were now filled leaving three vacant, and that there was still hope.

Natarajan is also believed to have reached out to Komatireddy Rajgopal Reddy, Prem Sagar Rao and Malreddy Ranga Reddy, all of whom were also seen as strong candidates for Cabinet roles.

It remains uncertain what assurances were provided to these leaders or what steps they may take next.