The recent expansion of Greater Hyderabad's core urban region has sent ripples through Telangana's political landscape, directly impacting the high-stakes race to fill two vacant positions in the state cabinet. The state government's notification to bring 27 municipal bodies up to the Outer Ring Road (ORR) under the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) umbrella has redrawn not just geographical boundaries but also political equations.
Pressure Mounts for Broader Urban Representation
With the geographical footprint of Hyderabad now extending deep into Rangareddy, Medchal Malkajgiri, and parts of Sangareddy districts, the ruling Congress party faces mounting pressure. The aim is to ensure fair political representation from this newly enlarged core urban area. Currently, Mohammed Azharuddin stands as the sole minister representing Hyderabad. Congress leaders argue that the party has little choice but to induct at least one more minister from this region, especially with GHMC elections on the horizon.
This move has significantly altered the prospects of several aspirants. Under the previous BRS government, there was substantial ministerial representation from constituencies within the ORR. During K. Chandrasekhar Rao's second term, ministers from the core urban region included figures like Talasani Srinivas Yadav, Mahmood Ali, Ch Malla Reddy, P Sabitha Indra Reddy, Mahender Reddy, and deputy speaker T Padma Rao Goud. A similar pattern was observed in KCR's first term.
Key Contenders Emerge in the Cabinet Race
The boundary redrawing has specifically boosted the chances of certain Congress leaders. Malreddy Ranga Reddy, the Congress MLA from Ibrahimpatnam, and MLC Patnam Mahender Reddy have now emerged as strong contenders for the cabinet berths. Ranga Reddy's constituency, Ibrahimpatnam, now falls within the expanded core urban region, strengthening his case. Meanwhile, Mahender Reddy currently serves as the chief whip in the legislative council.
The competition, however, extends beyond the immediate GHMC area. Munugode MLA Komatireddy Raj Gopal Reddy from Nalgonda district is another prominent aspirant who has been actively pressing the party leadership to honor its promise of a cabinet position. Other names in the mix include Parigi MLA T Ram Mohan Reddy and Devarakonda MLA N Balu Naik, the latter belonging to the ST community.
Each candidate is advocating for their inclusion based on various factors—community representation, regional balance, and seniority. Ranga Reddy, for instance, has pointed out that there were three ministers from the Reddy community in KCR's cabinet and that he would be the sole candidate from Rangareddy district.
Community Balance and Reshuffle Speculation
The final decision rests with the Congress high command, which must weigh community representation carefully. The current cabinet composition includes four Reddys (including the Chief Minister), four SCs, three BCs, and one minister each from the ST, Brahmin, Kamma, Velama, and Muslim communities. A senior AICC leader indicated the high command will decide whether the vacancies go to a Reddy, a BC, another community candidate, or a woman.
Speculation about a possible cabinet reshuffle has also intensified. Neither the high command nor the state leadership has ruled out the possibility of dropping some existing ministers, which further heats up the race. Senior leaders suggest that those who miss out on cabinet positions could be accommodated in key government, party, or corporation posts. This trend is already visible, with appointments like Bodhan MLA Sudarshan Reddy as a government advisor and Mancherial MLA K Premsagar Rao as chairman of the Telangana Civil Supplies Corporation. Upcoming projects like the Bharat Future City and the Musi rejuvenation project are expected to offer more such positions.
Ultimately, the expansion of Hyderabad is more than an administrative change; it is a political recalibration that will determine power dynamics within the Telangana cabinet and influence the Congress party's strategy for the upcoming urban local body elections.
