Union Minister Panabaka Lakshmi, who was the minister of state in the textile minister was shifted to petroleum and gas ministry. She is holding the same minister of state rank. The observers said that this change was made in the wake of Congress leaders such as Harsha Kumar taking on the Centre for not recognizing leaders from weaker sections and for not allotting better ministries.

In fact, the observers said that Congress wanted to elevate Panabaka Lakshmi but then it couldn't do so since it didn't elevate Purandareshwari who was the minister of state for HRD. She was, however, shifted to commerce and industry in the same rank. The sources said that it was only due to the foul cry of MP Kavuri Sambasiva Rao, Purandareshwari's elevation took place. Now that Panabaka was allotted petroleum and gas portfolio, her followers and leaders from weaker sections were said to be happy. Observers, however, said that in a cabinet there would be nothing such as more powerful and less powerful. All ministries were aimed at public welfare and getting any ministry is an opportunity to serve the public, they added.

(AW Phani)