First woman Home Minister in Andhra Pradesh

By Gopal Ethiraj
HYDERABAD 27 May (asiantribune.com): Patlolla Sabitha Indra Reddy (46) became the first woman Home Minister of Andhra Pradesh after Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy allocated portfolios to all the 35 members of the Council of Ministers on Tuesday.
The three-time legislator Sabitha had served as the Mines and Geology Minister in the earlier government. She will head the 80,000-strong police force in the State at a time when the anti-naxalite operations has reached a decisive stage. Incidentally, her husband late P. Indra Reddy was also Home Minister in the N. T. Rama Rao Cabinet.
‘Thrilled’ over new assignment
“For a moment, I could not believe my ears. It took me some time to realise that it is a fact.” This was how Sabitha Indra Reddy reacted on her being nominated to the crucial Home portfolio.
Ms. Sabitha, who created a record of sorts by becoming the first woman in the State to head the Home department, said she was “thrilled” the moment she realised it was a fact. “Anna (Dr. Rajasekhara Reddy) has always been different. He gave maximum portfolios to women as he firmly believes that women are no less efficient in discharging their duties.”
Brimming with confidence the new Home Minister said, she realised the need to be on alert 24 hours in the light of threat posed by Maoists and terror elements. “We have efficient officers and I will also coordinate with the Central agencies whenever needed to tackle such threats,” she said.
“My husband Indra Reddy struggled hard to get Home portfolio and took it as a challenge. I will try to achieve the goals he cherished,” she said
YSR on pilgrimage to Israel
Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, after swearing in a 35-strong ministry for the Andhra Pradesh, of which six were women members, has left on a four-day holy pilgrimage to Israel with his family on Wednesday by a chartered flight from New Delhi.