It has been more than 10 months since Congress Government sworn in Telangana with Revanth Reddy leading from the front. Revanth Reddy took charge as CM along with his 11 Ministers. Since then, Government is being run by 12-member Cabinet. But it is putting severe work pressure on Chief Minister, highlighting the need for a Cabinet expansion.
When Revanth Reddy took over as CM, leading 12-member team in December 2023, party insiders and political observers thought a full-fledged Cabinet may be formed after Loksabha elections somewhere in June or July. But no such effort has been done and there are also no signs of an immediate expansion.
But going by the political developments in Telangana, it appears to be high time for a Cabinet expansion. Right now key portfolios like Municipal Administration and Urban Development, Education, Home Affairs and others are lying with CM, as they have been not alloted to any Minister.
The much debated Musi Riverfront Development and HYDRA, which have become serious political issues fall under Municipal Ministry. Opposition parties are launching scathing attacks on Revanth Sarkar on Musi and HYDRA issues. Though Revanth Reddy along with his colleagues is hitting back at Opposition, the damage to Government has already been done in this case.
Another important Ministry which urgently needs dedicated Minister is Education. CM Revanth Reddy has been focusing sincerely on filling up jobs, skilling and other initiatives related to youth. While his Young India Skills University is getting positive mileage, conduct of Group I examinations has turned into a big controversy. Inspite of Congress Government’s best intentions, it is getting negative publicity on job notifications.
As Revanth Reddy is extremely busy, his trusted lieutenants like TPCC chief Mahesh Goud, MLC Balmoori Venkat and others have been trying to coordinate with students and reach out to them. Probably a full-time Education Minister would have made things different.
And, another important Ministry, Home Affairs, Law and Order also needs a full time Minister, as complaints about increasing crimes in Hyderabad are rising and protests against Government by various parties and organizations are rising. Sensing opportunity to defame Congress Government, BRS and BJP are hitting streets in a big way and leaving no stone unturned to weaken Government.
With so many challenges from all sides, it is high time CM Revanth Reddy expands his Cabinet. This is necessary not just for efficient administration but also to control Opposition parties attacks against Congress Government.
While there are 12 members in the Cabinet right now, there is room for six more, as the maximum limit for Telangana Cabinet is 18.
Dnr
