Vijayashanti seeks Cabinet berth surprising many in the party

Intensified political activity in Congress as leaders lobby for ministerial berths, including Vijayashanti and Addanki Dayakar.

Political activity in the Congress camp has intensified as several leaders lobbied for ministerial berths, including MLCs Vijayashanti and Addanki Dayakar.

Ms. Vijayashanthi, a popular film actor, created a flutter apparently seeking a Cabinet berth, when she met AICC Telangana in-charge Meenakshi Natarajan on Sunday. Her request surprised many within the party, especially since her nomination to the Legislative Council itself was an unexpected move.

The actor had switched to the Congress from the BJP just before the elections and was largely inactive on the ground during the campaign. Her MLC nomination was perceived by many as driven by her strong links to the leaders in New Delhi rather than grassroots involvement.

Another aspirant, Addanki Dayakar, also met Ms. Natarajan seeking a Cabinet berth, explaining his role in the Telangana agitation. A loyalist of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, Mr. Dayakar has been a vocal critic of former CM K. Chandrashekar Rao and has remained steadfast with the Congress through the highs and lows of the party in the last 10 years.

Meanwhile, Bhongir MP Chamala Kiran Reddy pitched for a more balanced representation in the Cabinet, suggesting that ministerial positions be distributed based on Parliament constituencies to ensure fair regional representation. His appeal is seen as support to Munugode MLA Komatireddy Rajagopal Reddy.

Congress sources said that MLCs and MPs from various regions, along with constituency leaders, also met Ms. Natarajan during her review of three key constituencies. The AICC in-charge is expected to submit a detailed report to the high command on the constitution of the TPCC Executive Committee and also party loyals.