Jagan to have 5 Deputy CMs

Amaravati: In a move aimed at wooing various communities, Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy has decided to have five Deputy Chief Ministers in his team of 25. He has taken a meticulous care in finalising the Cabinet.

The five Deputy Chief Ministers will be from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Backward Classes, minorities and Kapus. This move is aimed at giving proper representation to major social groups, party sources said.

This will be the highest-ever number of deputy chief ministers in the state. Jagan Reddy's predecessor N Chandrababu Naidu had two deputies. The YSRCP chief told the Legislature Party meeting that he will induct 25 ministers in the cabinet.

He declared that half of them would be from SCs, STs, BCs and minorities. He also said there will be cabinet reshuffle after two-and-a-half years to give an opportunity to other MLAs.

Those who would be dropped will be drafted for party work so that the party could romp home in 2024 elections without much problem.

The swearing-in ceremony of ministers will take place on Saturday at 11.49 am near the state secretariat, Velagapudi. Governor ESL Narasimhan will administer the oath of office to the ministers.

So far, the STs and Muslims did not get chance as Deputy Chief Minister. In the past, the Congress government elected Koneru Ranga Rao for the post of the Deputy Chief Minister from the SC community.

KE Krishna Murthy (BC) and N China Rajappa (Kapu) secured chance as two Deputy Chief Ministers in the TDP government.

According to sources, Jagan wants to continue to get support from the SCs, STs, BCs, Kapus and Muslims by offering Deputy Chief Minister posts.

Moreover, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy is younger compared to several ministers. In this backdrop, he wants to give respect to seniors by offering the Deputy Chief Minister posts. They would also represent their respective communities.