Diwakar dropped for sabotage

Mr J.C. Diwakar Reddy, who was dropped from the Cabinet on Monday, was accused of helping Opposition candidates in six seats of the district: Uravakonda, Penukonda, Hindupur, Putaparthy, Raptadu and Kalyandurg. Only Mr N. Raghuveera Reddy emerged successful from Kalyandurg, the Telugu Desam took the rest.

Mr Jana Reddy was also charged with alleged sabotage. Sources said he used his clout to get a weak candidate put up at Miryalguda seat, which allowed the CPI(M) to record its only victory in the state.

The Chief Minister viewed this seriously as he was keen to defeat all CPI(M) candidates. However, Mr Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy, a five-time MLA from Chittoor district, was inducted into the cabinet, though he allegedly helped Opposition candidates win from four Assembly seats in the district.

Mr Jagan Mohan Reddy, Kadapa MP and son of the Chief Minister, is said to have played a key role in roping in Mr Ramachandra Reddy. The Chief Minister dropped Mr Kasu Venkata Krishna Reddy, a longtime friend, as he wanted to accommodate Mr Gade Venkat Reddy from Guntur district.

Mr R. Damodar Reddy lost his berth to his elder brother, Mr Venkat Reddy, a four time legislator from the neighbouring Khammam district.

The Governor, Mr N.D. Tiwari, administered the oath of office and secrecy to the ministers. The ceremony started at 6.40 pm with Mr Anam Ramanaryana Reddy being the first to take oath, and ended by 7.45 pm. All districts except Adilabad got representation in the ministry.

While, Guntur district got four berths, Medak was given three. Seven districts will have more than one minister.

Most of the ministers took oath in the name of God while Mr Raghuveera Reddy and Pitani Satyanarayna also took oath in the name of their parents.

Mr Botsa Satyanarayana and Mr Balineni Srinivasula Reddy could not make it to the ceremony in time, so, the Governor administered the oath for them after completing the list.