DL's removal evokes mixed reactions

The removal of Dl Ravindra Reddy from the State Cabinet evoked mixed reaction from within and outside the Congress party.

Panchayat Raj Minister K Jana Reddy described DL's removal from the cabinet as painful. He has reportedly discussed the issue with Deputy Chief Minister Damodar Raja Narasimha and both have agreed to convene a meeting with the party leaders on the issue.

However, Tribal Welfare Minister P Balaraju defended Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy's decision and said it was his prerogative to induct or drop members in his cabinet. Health Minister Kondru Murali Mohan too supported the move although he claimed that it was beneath his stature to comment on the removal of Ravindra Reddy from the cabinet.

Meanwhile, senior Congress leader K Keshav Rao, who is all set to join the TRS, criticised Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy over the way DL was removed from the cabinet. He said it was incorrect to sack ministers at one's mercy and will.