Kavuri finally realised his dream
HYDERABAD: Eluru MP Kavuri Sambasiva Rao's 'revolt' against the Congress leadership has finally paid off and his long-cherished dream of becoming a Union minister has come true.
The five-time MP, who had resigned from all party posts following the denial of a Cabinet berth last year, was on Monday inducted into the Manmohan Singh government as Textiles Minister with Cabinet rank.
Kavuri, who had to be cajoled by the Prime Minister himself to stay put in the party the last time around, is perhaps, the happiest man in Congress today. For, not only has he been made a Cabinet Minister but has also been named permanent invitee to the Congress Working Committee (CWC).
Apart from Kavuri, Rajya Sabha member Jesudasu Seelam, known as JD Seelam, has also become a member of the Union Council of Ministers.
With their induction into the Manmohan government, the total number of Union ministers from the State has gone up to 12. In other words, of the total number of Congress MPs from the State, every third MP is a Union minister.
As the state is also one among the poll-bound states, the AICC leadership appears to have given due priority to the State while reconstituting the Union Cabinet.
Kavuri, a businessman, hails from Krishna district. He was first elected to the Lok Sabha from Machilipatnam in 1984. He shifted from Machilipatnam to Eluru in 2004 and retained it in 2009.
Rao, considered a bitter opponent of T movement, was a student of the Regional Engineering College, Warangal, where he learnt the basics of politics as a student leader.
On the other hand, Rajya Sabha MP J D Seelam, who hails from Guntur district, is a former civil servant and had worked as private secretary to Minister for Railways and Social Welfare in the past.
Kavuri seems to have been informed about his inclusion in the Union Cabinet well in advance. The MP's changed look during the oath-taking ceremony gave away the well-kept secret.
The senior politico, who never used to hide his grey hair, attended the swearing-in with a neatly-shaven face and dyed hair. After taking oath, the visibly happy MP said, 'I have been a hard worker since my childhood. I am confident that I can handle any portfolio with ease.'
The elevation of a United Andhra votary Kavuri to the CWC and the Union Cabinet triggered a fresh debate in Congress circles over the party high command's stand. Some leaders see it as a move for United Andhra, others interpret it as an indication of a positive decision on the T-issue, by silencing Kavuri.
News Posted: 18 June, 2013
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