Contrary to reports that the state cabinet would be expanded with the induction of two representatives of the erstwhile PRP today, chief minister Kirankumar reddy announced in Delhi the issue of cabinet expansion was not discussed with the party high command during his stay.

Speaking to journalists before returning to Hyderabad, Kirankumar indirectly hinted that the expansion plans were put on hold for the time being.

While the CM refused to disclose more about his talks with the party president Sonia Gandhi, her political secretary Ahmad Patel, Union Ministers Ghulam Nabi Azad and P. Chidambaram during his two day trip, sources revealed the high command asked Kiran to put on hold the
proposed induction of the PRP candidates temporarily.

Party high command reportedly received complaints against the two possible candidates proposed to be inducted into the Cabinet. While the Kadapa district congress leaders expressed opposition to the induction of MLC Mr Ramachandraiah, some congress leaders have also brought to the notice of the party leadership that the second PRP candidate Mr Ganta Srinivasa rao has been facing some corruption charges, according to sources.

Earlier reports said the CM was in favour of a full fledged expansion of the cabinet by inducting five of his loyalists. However, PCC chief Botsa Satyanarayana suggested to the high command that the induction of the PRP candidates would be enough for the time being. (JUBS)