Congress may change CMs of Andhra and Maharashtra

New Delhi, Sep 16: Congress is contemplating major changes both at the centre and at CM level of at least two major states, reports'The Sunday Guardian'.The report says that the first person to depart will be Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Kiran Reddy who is likely to be replaced by S. Jaipal Reddy. Surprisingly, the second vulnerable CM is Prithviraj Chavan of Maharashtra.The report further says that once S Jaipal Reddy, presently union petroleum minister, takes over as Andhra CM, Ghulam Nabi Azad will be shifted to Petroleum ministry. Chiranjeevi, the actor-turned-politician, who merged his party with Congress, is likely to be rewarded with a cabinet berth.Prithviraj Chavan is also in the line of fire primarily because the Congress party wants to keep Sharad Pawar in good humor who has little love lost for Chavan. In this case, Narayan Rane, the former Shiv Sena leader, is the leading contender for the coveted post.Even Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot can be removed but he has got solid backing in Delhi and therefore, he may escape the axe this time. But if he goes then C.P.Joshi will be his likely successor.On party front, Rahul Gandhi is all set to lead the party in 2014 elections and he is likely to be promoted as working president of the party very soon.One striking feature of the planned changes is the possibility of Priyanka Vadra's formal entry into electoral politics. As Sonia Gandhi's illness is coming in her way to give full attention to party affairs, Priyanka is believed to be ready for assisting her brother in reviving the fortunes of the party in UP. She is most likely to be party candidate from Rae Bareli LS seat in 2014 elections.Manish Tiwari, media-savvy spokesman of Congress party, can make his debut in union cabinet as I&B minister as present incumbent Ambika Soni is no longer interested in this ministry.