PRP MLAs vying for Cabinet berths - TeluguPeople.com News

Hyderabad: While their boss is in two minds whether to go to Delhi for a place in Central cabinet or stay put in state politics, the leaders of Praja Rajyam Party (PRP) are already vying for a berth in the Kiran Kumar Reddy Cabinet.

Chiranjeevi during his visit to New Delhi a couple of days back had made it clear to the Congress Party that it should allot three berths to his group in the State Cabinet, representing the three regions of the State. He expressed the same desire to media persons also.

The visits by CM Kiran Kumar Reddy and PCC chief Botcha Satyanarayana also lend credence to the belief that the Cabinet reshuffle is round the corner in the State. This has led to intense lobbying among the PRP leaders to secure ministership.

A perusal of the strengths of the PRP leaders from each region, one easily finds obvious choice for the PRP leader in Rayalaseema and Coastal region.

There is, however, none in the forefront of the race in Telangana; all from region are in the race, though Balkonda MLA Anil has a better chance. Despite the favourite choice being Ganta Srinivasa Rao from the coastal region, pinning hopes on the ministerships are some leaders from the region.

Especially from East Godavari district, among the four party MLAs, three are making their own moves to be ahead of others. K Kannababu who is said to be a close confidante of Chiranjeevi, three-time MLA Bandaru Satyananda Rao and former MP and present MLA from Pithapuram, Vanga Geetha, are testing their mettle and fortunes for a minister post.

Ganta's merits are that he is a senior MLA and has earned a good name as an efficient organiser of any programme, besides steering clear of any controversy.

Following the resignation of Allagadda MLA Sobha Nagireddy, the PRP has 17 MLAs including Chiranjeevi. However, a majority of the MLAs belong to a particular social group.

Now, the Congress party faces the prospects of allotting three ministerships to the same group, which is sure to ruffle the feathers of other caste leaders in the party. But there is little leeway for it in this case.

Coming to Rayalaseema, there is no taller leader in the party than C Ramachandraiah. As Chiranjeevi announced his political entry, he quit Rajya Sabha as TDP MP despite having two years more in tenure, and joined the PRP. He has since been loyal to Chiranjeevi even as many a senior leader deserted the party.

However, his candidature for ministership is said to be facing stiff resistance from some Congress leaders in Kadapa district. However, Kiran Kumar Reddy may have to agree to inclusion of Ramachandraiah should Chiranjeevi propose his name.

From Telangana, Balkonda MLA Anil stands better chances as he belongs to BC. Though PRP has another MLA in the region, Nirmal MLA Maheswar Reddy, his association with Jaganmohan Reddy and later with TRS as well as his criticism of Chiranjeevi may work against him.

Anil, too, has some drawbacks, such as his fight with former PCC chief D Srinivas and his being the first-time MLA. However, Chiranjeevi may in all likelihood propose his name for the ministership from the region.