In Andhra Pradesh, another cabinet expansion in Kiran Kumar Reddy government is all set to be held this evening. Three members, of whom two are from Telangana region, are likely to be inducted into the Cabinet.

Governor E S L Narasimhan will be administering oath of office and secrecy to the new ministers at a function at 6.28 PM at the Raj Bhavan in Hyderabad. Chief Minister Kiran Kumar Reddy has obtained nod from the Congress President Sonia Gandhi to expand the state cabinet.

AIR correspondent reports that the Andhra cabinet is being expanded for the second time in about 15 days. Two members from the erstwhile Praja Rajyam Party that merged with Congress few months ago were inducted into the cabinet expansion that took place on 19th of last month.

Chief Minister Kiran Kumar Reddy has reportedly got clearances from the Congress high command for the present proposed cabinet expansion during his just concluded two-day visit to Delhi.

The long-pending expansion is being done mainly to accommodate a few more members from Telangana region which till recently effected by agitations.

It is also seemingly intended to balance the representation of the three regions of the state in the cabinet and to fill up the vacancies created by resignation of two ministers from Telangana region over statehood issue. The expansion also may give scope for minor changes in the portfolios.