No change in Cabinet likely

Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao on Friday ruled out a reshuffle in his cabinet before the 2019 elections, and assured all sitting MLAs of tickets in the polls. In particular, Rao singled out irrigation minister T. Harish Rao for “working day and night” to complete irrigation projects, especially Kaleshwaram and Palamuru-Ranga Reddy.

“All our ministers and MLAs are doing well. There is no need to change the cabinet. There is also no need to deny tickets to our sitting MLAs,” said Rao, speaking at the 17th plenary of the Telangana Rashtra Samity (TRS).

Mr. Rao said the TRS government will ensure the safety and security of all Andhra residents in city, adding that all those residing in Hyderabad are ‘Hyderabadis’ and children of Telangana. “During the statehood agitation and 2014 elections, opposition parties ran a vicious campaign against us, saying if Telangana state was formed and TRS came to power, the safety and security of Seemandhra people in Telangana, especially in Hyderabad, wouldbe at risk. They said the assets of Seemandhra people would be taken away. But we have proved them wrong for four years.”

Rao said, “This hall which is hosting our plenary belongs to a native of Andhra, who settled in Hyderabad long ago. We appreciate him for this. Similarly, we appreciate all those living in Hyderabad and contributing to the growth of the city and development of Telangana. The TRS will not discriminate against anyone on the basis of nativity, caste, creed or religion.”