7 MLAs likely to make the cut as KCR set to expand team on February 10

HYDERABAD: After keeping everyone guessing and running the government without a full cabinet for more than 50 days, chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao is finally expanding his team in the next five days. Sources said the CM is likely to induct seven to eight ministers and expand the team later.


KCR has reportedly shortlisted February 7, 8 and 10 as they are considered auspicious days. Among these days, February 10 is Vasantha Panchami, a very auspicious day, during when thousands of marriages would be solemnised. Sources said the cabinet is likely to be a mix of experienced and new faces.

The names of Koppula Eshwar, Errabelli Dayakar Rao,

Padma Devender Reddy

, Gongidi Sunitha, Balka Suman, Vodithela Satish and Puvvada Ajay are doing the rounds. “If Harish Rao does not get a chance, KCR may not induct his son and TRS working president KT Rama Rao as well and instead ask him to focus on the upcoming

Lok Sabha

elections to ensure a sweep for the party in 16 MP seats,” a senior TRS leader said.

“The CM is set to continue former ministers like Eatala Rajender and Talasani Srinivas Yadav,” he said. Among the former ministers who may not get berth include Nayani Narasimha Reddy, Jogu Ramanna, Indrakaran Reddy, Kadiam Srihari and T Padma Rao. Four ministers, who were in the first cabinet, Tummala Nageshwara Rao, P Mahender Reddy, Chandulal and

Jupally Krishna Rao

, had lost in the December assembly elections.

Those who may not make it to the council of ministers are set to be accommodated in posts like deputy speaker, chief whip, whip, parliamentary secretaries and other posts with cabinet minister status, sources added.

Sources said since representatives of the 15th Finance Commission would be visiting the state from February 18 to 20 and budget session slated to be in the third week of February, the CM has believed to be finalized the dates for cabinet expansion. The TRS party has to gear up for MLC elections and also Lok Sabha elections later and the election schedule is likely to be announced by March 1.

KCR took oath on December 13, two days after the election results along with Mohd Mahmood Ali, who was given the home affairs portfolio.


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