Date:01/09/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/09/01/stories/2006090105300600.htm

Andhra Pradesh

A.P. Cabinet expansion during Dasara

Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD: Cabinet expansion could be a `Dasara bonanza' for the aspirants, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy indicated here on Thursday.

Although he did not elaborate further, Dr. Reddy confirmed reports that he would undertake the long-overdue expansion during the ten-day Dasara festival that concludes on October 2. Talking to reporters before leaving for New Delhi on a two-day visit, he said the Telangana issue, Central assistance for the flood-hit areas and special package for farmers were other important issues to figure in his discussions with AICC leaders and Union Ministers.

"AICC president Sonia Gandhi is seized of the Telangana issue. She will give the appropriate answer at an appropriate time. Meanwhile, it is not proper on my part to comment on it everyday," he said.