In a first in the country, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy will have a record five deputy chief ministers in his government.
Jagan Reddy made the major announcement while addressing newly-elected legislators of the YSR Congress Party on Friday, a day before cabinet expansion.
The Deputy CMs will be one each from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Backward Classes, minorities and Kapu community.
The 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-half years to give an opportunity to new ministers.
The swearing-in ceremony of ministers will take place on Saturday at 11.49 a.m. near the state secretariat, Velagapudi. Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan will administer the oath of office to the ministers.
Jagan Reddy said he would bring many reforms in administration to ensure all-round development and welfare. He asked the MLAs to ensure that there is no scope for corruption at any level.
The 46-year-old led his party to a huge victory in the recent state and national elections in Andhra Pradesh.
Jagan’s YSRCP ended the reign of Telugu Desam Party (TDP) by winning 151 of the 175 seats in the Andhra Pradesh Assembly. The YSRCP also won 22 of the 25 Lok Sabha seats in the state.