Cabinet expansion not discussed with Sonia, says Rosaiah

NEW DELHI/HYDERABAD - The much-awaited expansion of the Andhra Pradesh cabinet may take more time as Chief Minister K. Rosaiah Monday said the issue did not figure during his meeting with Congress president Sonia Gandhi.

Rosaiah, who was on a two-day visit to the national capital amid intense speculations that the cabinet would be expanded soon, told reporters the issue was not discussed during the 30-minute meeting in New Delhi.

He said he discussed party affairs with her and congratulated her on assuming the party leadership for the fourth consecutive term.

The chief minister also parried queries as to when the cabinet expansion would take place.

He said the new president of state Congress would be elected after the process of reorganisation of the All India Congress Committee is completed.

Rosaiah said he would soon announce details to fill up nominated posts to various boards and corporations in the state.

Rosaiah also met Gandhi’s political advisor Ahmed Patel, Home Minister P. Chidambaram and senior party leader Motilal Vora. He will meet more central leaders Tuesday to discuss various issues related to the state.

The chief minister’s visit to New Delhi has triggered speculations of an imminent cabinet expansion and reshuffle, which is pending for a long time.

At least two cabinet ministers loyal to rebel MP Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy are facing the axe while Rosaiah also plans to induct leaders loyal to him and distribute portfolios which he is currently holding.

The veteran leader, who became chief minister in September last year following the death of Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy in a helicopter crash, has yet to expand and reshuffle the cabinet to assert his authority.

Rajasekhara Reddy had constituted a 35-member strong cabinet in May last year after he led Congress party to second successive term in power.

Women Development and Child Welfare Minister Konda Surekha had quit the cabinet last year after the central leadership rejected the demand to make Rajasekhara Reddy’s son Jaganmohan Reddy the chief minister.

Defying the central leadership, Jaganmohan is currently on a tour in Prakasam district to console families of those who died of shock following his father’s death.