Congress legislators intensify lobbying for cabinet berths

The national capital is all set to turn the epicentre of Andhra Pradesh politics for the next two days.

As Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy is preparing to leave for Delhi on Thursday on a two-day tour, several Congress MLAs and MLCs have intensified lobbying to get berth in the State cabinet. However, some ministers are trying hard to ensure that they do not face the axe. A few ministers including Deputy Chief Minister Damodar Rajanarasimha is making efforts to get the portfolio of Home which fell vacant due to the resignation of P Sabitha Indira Reddy.

Although the Chief Minister is trying to downplay his Delhi's tour, it is widely believed in the political circles that he would finalise the cabinet expansion and reshuffle with the Congress High Command. Since the second phase of budget session of Legislative Assembly is likely to begin from June 10, it is expected that the Chief Minister might expand his cabinet on June 8. However, some sources say that the Chief Minister might expedite the expansion as it would give him some space before the Assembly session to neutralise those not getting cabinet berth.