Speculation rife on Revanth’s Cabinet expansion

The Congress leadership is in two minds regarding Cabinet expansion. According to sources, the Congress leadership is thinking whether to take up the Cabinet expansion before or after the Lok Sabha elections. Cabinet berths are limited and aspirants are unlimited.
There is speculation that Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy is likely to go to Delhi on Tuesday. If the Chief Minister goes to Delhi, he is likely to discuss about the Cabinet expansion with the high command. The posts of Deputy Speaker and other nominated posts like government Chief Whip are yet to be filled. The State government already appointed four government whips in the Assembly.
The total strength of Telangana Cabinet should be 18, including the Chief Minister. At present, apart from the Chief Minister, 11 Cabinet ministers are there. Still six members will have a chance in the Cabinet. Erstwhile districts of Adilabad, Nizamabad, Rangareddy and Hyderabad have no representation. From Hyderabad district, no Congress MLA was elected in the recent Assembly elections. At the same time, no Muslim minority candidate from the Congress won in the Assembly elections. From Adilabad district former Minister G Vinod, his brother G Vivek and K Premsagar Rao are aspiring for a Cabinet berth. While Vinod and Vivek belong to the SC community, Premsagar Rao is a Velama. From this community already Jupally Krishna Rao was taken into the Cabinet.
If the Congress high command wants to give importance to weaker sections, Vinod and Vivek will have a chance. From Nizamabad district, former minister and senior MLA P Sudarshan Reddy and first time MLA K Madan Mohan Rao are aspiring for the Cabinet post. From Rangareddy district, Malreddy Rangareddy is a strong aspirant.
Who will have a chance from the Muslim community is also an interesting issue. The names of former minister Shabbir Ali, Firoz Khan and Azharuddin who were defeated in the Assembly elections are under consideration for a Cabinet post, according to sources. Congress sources said that Shabbir Ali may stand a chance as one who has cordial relations with the AIMIM.
The high command is of two minds whether to think of the Cabinet expansion before or after the Lok Sabha polls. There will be clarity on the issue after the proposed Delhi visit of the Chief Minister, said a senior Congress leader.