Two SCs, One OBC: Congress Aims For 'Social Justice' In Telangana Cabinet Expansion

In a move aimed at reinforcing its 'social justice' credentials, the Congress on Sunday (9 June) expanded the Telangana cabinet by appointing new ministers from Dalit and OBC communities. Their induction came after consultations with Meenakshi Natarajan, All India Congress Committee (AICC) in-charge for Telangana.

The newly inducted ministers — Gaddam Vivek Venkataswamy (Mala), Adluri Laxman Kumar (Madiga), and Vakiti Srihari (Mudiraj)—represent Scheduled Caste and Backward Class communities. As per a report by Indian Express, party sources said the expansion was designed to reflect the Congress’s commitment to empowering socially backward groups, which are seen as a key support bases.

With these additions, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy’s cabinet now includes 15 ministers, leaving three positions vacant. Party leaders indicated that while many aspirants had been considered, the central leadership prioritized community representation in finalizing the list.

Gaddam Vivek, a former MP and son of ex-Union Minister G. Venkataswamy, had rejoined the Congress in 2023 after stints in BRS and BJP. Adluri Laxman Kumar is a first-time MLA from Dharmapuri, while Srihari, a seasoned OBC leader, represents Makthal in Narayanpet district.

Additionally, Ramachandru Naik, a tribal MLA from Dornakal, was appointed as the Deputy Speaker of the Assembly.

State Congress leaders emphasized that the selections were made after wide-ranging consultations between the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) and the AICC. “This expansion reflects the party’s larger strategy of inclusivity and grassroots representation,” a leader said.

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