CM's first official task: YSR's scheme

Swearing in on Wednesday, 36 Ministers likely in Cabinet

The office of the Chief Minister on the sixth floor in C Block at the Secretariat is being spruced to welcome new Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy when he formally occupies his Chambers.

KKR is expected to formally occupy his office on Wednesday at 9.32 am.

He is expected to focus his attention on a file pertaining to the the Arogyasri Health scheme as his first official engagement. This focus on one of former chief minister late YS Rajasekhara Reddy’s pet schemes is seen as a pointer and reminder to any fence-sitters who are contemplating to sail along with Mr YS Jaganmohan Reddy. It will also be a pointer that the government has not shelved any of the schemes envisaged and initiated by the former chief minister.

Next, KKR will dispose off another file related to release of welfare funds to the weaker sections to boost the morale of the poor as also to give a signal to officers concerned that he was firm on implementation of schemes for the poor on priority.

Earlier, KKR after taking oath at Raj Bhavan as Chief Minister, had visited the NIMS to enquire about the health of patients in the Arogyasri ward there. 

Later the Chief Minister will drive down to the Raj Bhavan for the swearing-in function of his Cabinet colleagues where arrangements have all been made. The swearing in ceremony is expected to begin at around 10 AM.

According to sources, around 36 leaders would be sworn in on Wednesday. Speculation is also rife that Mr C Damodar Rajanarasimha, a Dalit from the Telangana region, would be sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister. If he is chosen as the Deputy Chief Minister, the Speaker's post may go to Ms Geetha Reddy, according to sources.

The PRP has initially decided to extend support to the government from outside but going by the feedback, an impression is that Mr Chiranjeevi 'may' opt to join the Cabinet.

Governor ESL Narasimhan would administer the Oath of Office and Secrecy to the new Ministers.

In the wake of swearing in ceremony, the police have tightened security on the Raj Bhavan Road and diverted the traffic on Khairatabad, Punjagutta and Begumpet crossroads.

City Police Commissioner A K Khan said the police would restrict the traffic on Raj Bhavan Road from 8 am to 1 pm and advised the new incumbents and MLAs and MLCs to come to Raj Bhavan before 9 am