Andhra Pradesh Cabinet reshuffle by Independence Day

Hyderabad: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has reportedly initiated an exercise to reshuffle his 14-month-old 20-member Cabinet before August 15. Sources close to Mr Naidu disclosed this and stated that at least four to five ministers will be dropped and at least six ministers could be inducted.

The Cabinet has 20 ministers including Mr Naidu, against the stipulated limit of 26. The CM reportedly decided to get rid of some of ministers involved in frequent controversies as well as those who were inefficient.

Sources said Mr Naidu, who will be busy in the coming days, in works related to the finalisation of contracts for construction of new capital city Amaravati, this time wanted to fill the Cabinet with experienced and seasoned politicians to be effective in dealing with political issues keeping the main Opposition YSR Congress’ increased activities in mind.

Sources also said Mr Naidu will simultaneously take up a major reshuffle of portfolios including that of Deputy Chief Minister K.E. Krishna Murthy who is holding the revenue and registrations portfolio. It is reliably learnt that ministers Ch Ayyanna Patrudu, Peethala Suj-atha, Kimidi Mrinalini, Kollu Ravindra Babu and Bojjala Gopalakrishna Reddy will be dropped. 

However, Mr Naidu will ensure that the new ministers will be from the same region and caste. Thrust will be given to Kapu, Backward Class and Reddy communities besides filling up the ST and the minority quotas.

The name of former home minister Kimidi Kala Venkata Rao is being mentioned for induction. His name was also said to have been considered as president for the party AP unit initially, but now Mr Naidu is reportedly considering him for the Cabinet. Deputy Chief Minister (Home) Nimmak-ayala China Rajappa’s name is being considered for the party president’s post.

Following names are doing the rounds for induction into the Cabinet. Kala Venkata Rao (Etcherla), Meesala Geetha (Vizianagaram), V. Anitha (Payakarao Peta), Bandaru Satyanarayana Murthy (Pendurthi), Vanamadi Venkateswara Rao (Kakinada city), G. Butchayya Chowdary (Rajahmundry rural), Midiam Srinivasa Rao (Polavaram ST), Magunta Srinivasula Reddy, Gali Muddu Krishnama Naidu, Somireddy Chandramohan Reddy, Payyalvula Kesav and M.A. Shariff  (all MLCs).

However, it seems the CM wanted to relax norms while considering names of Mr Muddukrishnana Naidu, Mr Keshav and Mr Chandramohan Reddy from the Nellore-Rayalaseema region. Mr Naidu clearly told all the three leaders at the time of finalising their names for MLC polls that he cannot take them into the Cabinet due to their seniority. But to accommodate more experienced hands into the Cabinet he may reconsider his decision, sources said.