HYDERABAD: Senior BJP leader G. Kishan Reddy continued to get prominence in the Narendra Modi-led Union Cabinet; he will now be handling the coal and mines ministries. He previously handled tourism, culture and the northeast regions.
Firebrand Telangana leader Bandi Sanjay will be a deputy to Union home minister Amit Shah. This was a post once held by Kishan Reddy.
The two ministers of state from AP, however, got portfolios of some use. Dr Pemmasani Chandrasekhar of the TD was allotted rural development and communications while BJP MP B. Srinivas Varma was given heavy industries and steel.
Sanjay’s followers were elated over their leader getting an opportunity to be groomed by none other than Shah. Back in the state, the portfolio is expected to add to his aggressive approach and fits with the overall scheme of bringing the BJP to power in 2028 in Telangana.
Andhra Pradesh has airports in Visakhapatnam, Rajamahendravaram, Vijayawada, Tirupati and Kadapa and there is no scope for new airports. The TD leadership according to sources looked for portfolios like rural or urban development which would help the state get funds. However, the TD is unlikely to make an issue out of the portfolios and begin the journey with the big brother BJP under stress. “We will pitch for funds anyway with or without portfolios,” a senior leader pointed out.
