At a time when the importance of Backward Classes is increasing in politics, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has reportedly taken a key decision to improve BCs representation in his cabinet. He is said to be preparing to give a big role to BCs in the expansion of the state cabinet, and there is a discussion in political circles that he is planning to give ministerial posts to two BC leaders.
It seems that one of them is likely to be given the post of Deputy Chief Minister. Currently, the representation of various social groups in Telangana has become a major political debate. It is reported that CM Revanth has already decided to provide a place in the cabinet to ST, Minority, Reddy and Velama communities.
However, it seems that the Congress high command is considering giving the post of a Deputy CM with the intention of giving more priority to BCs. Presently there is only one Deputy CM in his cabinet. He is Bhatti Vikramarka, who lobbied to become Chief MInister till the last minute.
By inducting one more Deputy Chief Minister, Congress sources said that Revanth Reddy intended to check the growing clout of Vikramarka with the party high-command, who is reportedly carrying inputs against Revanth Reddy’s style of functioning.
On the other hand, after the announcement of caste census in the special session of the assembly, Revanth Reddy has been facing severe criticism from BC communities and opposition parties, as he failed to assure legal status to BCs reservation. Also he is facing criticism for showing a fall in the BC population in Telangana.
By appointing a BC Deputy Chief Minister, Revanth Reddy is expecting he can win over BC leaders’ confidence. In the wake of the huge support of BCs in the Congress party elections, he felt that there is a need to provide political opportunities to them.
There is criticism that BCs were not completely treated fairly during the TRS regime in the past. In this context, the Revanth Reddy government is planning to provide proper representation to the BCs. An official announcement is likely to be made as soon as the green signal comes from the high command.
Who will get a place in the cabinet expansion has now become a hot topic politically. There are reports that several senior leaders from the BC community are already lobbying for ministerial posts. Overall, there are signs that CM Revanth Reddy is preparing a plan to give more political importance to the BCs. Analysts believe that if the post of Deputy CM goes to the BCs, it is likely to bring political mileage to the Congress party.