Andhra MPs to get 'important' berths at Centre: Reddy

Having brought 33 MPs to the Congress kitty from his state, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajashekara Reddy on Sunday said he was hopeful they will garner important portfolios in the Central government, despite pressure from allies for greater share of the power pie.

Having brought 33 MPs to the Congress kitty from his state, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajashekara Reddy on Sunday said he was hopeful they will garner important portfolios in the Central government, despite pressure from allies for greater share of the power pie.

HT Image

Reddy, who was in Delhi to meet AICC president Sonia Gandhi, told reporters in New Delhi that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh would accommodate important allies such as the DMK from Tamil Nadu, "as they too brought a large number of MPs into the UPA".

But, with Andra Pradesh contributing the maximum number of MPs, Reddy said he was sure the council of ministers will have a good number representation from his state.

"Even in the previous cabinet, Andhra Pradesh got important portfolios. But there are exigencies, as this is a UPA government and there are some important allies. Some of them will make stronger demands. I am sure, we will get good portfolios this time also," Reddy said, apparently indicating that he may make demands, just as the DMK has.

The Andhra Pradesh CM also favoured a mix of both experienced MPs and younger MPs to be part of the Central government, instead of having only youngsters as ministers.