VIJAYAWADA: Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu inducted two more ministers into his cabinet on Sunday almost in the last leg of present government.NMD Farooq and Kidari Sravan Kumar, son of slain Araku MLA Kidari Sarveswara Rao who was recently killed by Maoists, were sworn in as ministers in a program held in Praja Vedika at Amaravati. Governor ESL Narasimhan administered the oath to two ministers. With the induction of Farooq and Sravan Kumar, the cabinet reached its full strength to 26 ministers.Expanding cabinet just before six months from the elections came as a surprise to many. However, it is seen as calculated political move as Naidu chose a tribal and a Muslim minority for induction into the cabinet. Both the communities do not have representation in cabinet since last 4 years of the government.Making his point clear, chief minister Naidu has said after the swearing in ceremony was completed that he gave good representation to the minorities. As Farooq has resigned as chairman of legislative council, another senior leader MA Sharif has been given a chance as chairman of legislative council. Another minority leader Chand Bhasha was also given the post of government whip in the cabinet rank. Explaining the same, Naidu appealed the Muslim leaders who gathered at the swearing in ceremony that they should ensure that all votes from Muslim minority would be polled to Telugu Desam in the upcoming general elections.Naidu also stressed upon the representation given to the tribal community in the cabinet. “Though we cannot bring back young and dynamic leader like Kidari Sarveswara Rao, we are trying to fill the void by giving a chance to his son Sravan Kumar in the cabinet. Justifying his move he said Sravan is highly qualified and was preparing to appear for civil services. He is now the torch bearer of tribal hope and I will personally nurture him as a good leader” Naidu said.According to sources, Farooq is likely to get ministry of health and minority affairs whereas Sravan Kumar is going to get tribal welfare portfolio.

Stay updated with all the Latest Vijayawada headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.