Chiru, Kotla all set to join Union Cabinet

Rajya Sabha member K Chiranjeevi and Kurnool MP Kotla Suryaprakash Reddy are all set to get inducted in the Union Cabinet.

According to sources, the Congress High Command has cleared the names of both the leaders for a berth during the cabinet reshuffle, scheduled on October 28. It may be mentioned that Chiranjeevi, the founder of erstwhile Praja Rajyam Party, was tipped off long back for inclusion in the Union Council of Ministers. However, the candidature of Suryaprakash Reddy, son of former Chief Minister Kotla Vijayabhasker Reddy, came a surprise for many. Both the Parliamentarians have been asked to be available in New Delhi on Sunday.

While Chiranjeevi represents Andhra, Kotla is a stalwart of Rayalaseema region. However, the Congress High Command seems undecided over a candidate from the Telangana region. Mahboobabad MP Balram Naik, Nizamabad MP Madhu Yakshi Goud, Rajya Sabha MP V Hanumantha Rao, Malkajgiri MP Sarve Satyanarayana and Secunderabad MP Anjan Kumar Yadav are some of the names that were reportedly being considered for a berth in Union Cabinet. Meanwhile, sources say, Balram Naik has got a message from the Cabinet Secretary asking him to be available in the national capital on Sunday.

Sources say that the Daggubati Purandeswari and MM Pallam Raju might be dropped from cabinet. However, Purandeswari might be given an important post in the State Congress to counter the women leadership of YSR Congress party of Vijayamma and Sharmila. As the daughter of former Chief Minister late N T Rama Rao, she might also effectively counter Telugu Desam Party president N Chandrababu Naidu, who is now enjoying the support of entire NTR family, including Balakrishna, sources added.