Andhra chief minister hints at cabinet reshuffle

Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy has hinted at a reshuffle of his ministry after the ongoing Budget session that would conclude by month end.

Similarly, various nominated posts in government corporations too would be filled after the assembly session ends, he said today.

Four slots in the state cabinet are currently vacant while endowments minister Jupalli Krishna Rao submitted his resignation recently demanding creation of Telangana state. His resignation has, however, not been accepted yet.

With the formal merger of Chiranjeevi's Praja Rajyam Party with the Congress to be completed by end of this month, at least three legislators belonging to that party are expected to be accommodated in the state cabinet.

Also, there has been a lot of discontent among some of the current ministers over the portfolios allocated to them. This had, in fact, triggered a rebellion the very day the cabinet was constituted on December 1 last year.

The chief minister today also hinted at change of portfolios as part of the cabinet reshuffle.

On the series of open letters being written by senior minister Botsa Satyanarayana on various issues finding fault with the government, Kiran said there was nothing wrong in writing letters.

"In fact, Botsa is offering good suggestions through such letters," he remarked.

On the proposed trip to New Delhi by ministers from Telangana on the statehood issue, the chief minister hoped they would get an appointment with Sonia Gandhi soon.