The increased police presence followed rising tensions and mounting anticipation among Congress leaders eyeing ministerial berths, along with their supporting cadres.
Published Jun 03, 2025 | 10:05 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 03, 2025 | 10:05 PM
The Telangana cabinet expansion has been pending for over 18 months since the Revanth Reddy-led Congress government assumed office.
Synopsis: Security was heightened at Gandhi Bhavan in Hyderabad – the headquarters of the Telangana PCC on Tuesday amid mounting speculation of an imminent cabinet expansion. The reshuffle, pending for 18 months, has fuelled frustration among MLAs and carries political risks for the ruling party.
With speculation intensifying over an imminent expansion or reconstitution of the Telangana cabinet, security was heightened at Gandhi Bhavan – the headquarters of the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) – on Tuesday, 3 June.
The increased police presence followed rising tensions and mounting anticipation among Congress leaders eyeing ministerial berths, along with their supporting cadres.
Aspirants gathered at the party office, as speculation continued over possible exclusions. Ministers believed to have fallen out of favour also gathered, uncertain about their future.
Apprehending unrest – including the potential burning of effigies by disgruntled members – police deployed personnel as a precautionary measure.
Police forces arrived in the afternoon and remained stationed at the premises as leaders waited anxiously for confirmation of their inclusion.
The Telangana cabinet expansion has been pending for 18 months since the Revanth Reddy-led Congress government assumed office. Frustration has been building among MLAs seeking ministerial positions.
At present, the cabinet comprises only 12 ministers, with Chief Minister Revanth Reddy holding an additional 12 portfolios himself, including municipal administration and urban development, general administration, and law and order.
Though the expansion was initially expected by the end of May, it was deferred once again to the first week of June.
The Congress leadership has reportedly finalised most of the names to be inducted. There are currently six vacancies in the cabinet, but the number could increase if any sitting ministers are dropped.
Sources indicate that the party high command is considering dropping two ministers who previously embarrassed the party with controversial remarks.
One of the most likely inclusions is Munugode MLA Komatireddy Rajagopal Reddy, who was earlier promised a cabinet berth in return for his support in securing Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy’s victory in the Bhongir Lok Sabha constituency.
Other strong contenders include G Vivek Venkataswamy (Chennur), representing the Mala (Scheduled Caste) community, and his brother Gaddam Vinod (Bellampally). Both are said to be lobbying vigorously for a place in the cabinet.
Additional names under consideration include Vakiti Srihari (Makthal), a prominent backward classes leader; P Sudarshan Reddy (Bodhan), a senior figure said to have the Chief Minister’s backing; MLC Amir Ali Khan, representing the minority quota; and Malreddy Ranga Reddy (Ibrahimpatnam), from the underrepresented Rangareddy district.
However, the proposed cabinet expansion or reshuffle carries political risk. Those left out – or worse, removed – may feel alienated or embittered, potentially harming the party’s image.
The discontent could present an opportunity for opposition parties such as the Bharatiya Janata Party and Bharat Rashtra Samithi to exploit internal fissures within the Congress.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
