GAD swings into action for swearing-in ceremony

​Hyderabad: Pulling curtains over speculation regarding cabinet expansion, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao is learnt to have fixed January 18 for the swearing in of new ministers. According to sources, soon after the first cabinet meeting on Monday, the Chief Minister Office (CMO) instructed GAD (General Administration Department, Political) officials to make necessary arrangements for the swearing-in ceremony. It is learnt that eight ministers will be inducted into the cabinet in the first phase.

The government, it may be recalled, has decided to hold a four-day session of assembly from January 17. During the session, the newly-elected MLAs will take oath followed by election of the new Speaker. Governor ESL Narsimhan will address the newly-elected members and a motion of thanks to the governor’s address will be passed by the Assembly.

The GAD officials will hold meeting with police, Raj Bhavan and GHMC officials to make arrangements required for the conduct of the swearing-in ceremony of the ministers. The total strength of the cabinet should not extend more than 17. As of now the cabinet consists of the Chief Minister and Home Minister Mohd Mahmood Ali. 

Sources said eight ministers will be inducted in the first expansion of the state cabinet and in the second phase another eight ministers will be sworn in. KCR is planning to induct ministers from each community - Reddy, Kamma, Naidu (Kapu), Velama, SC and ST and one from the BC community.