Hyderabad: She is popularly called 'Chevella Chellemma' ever since she became Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy's adopted sister.
Patlolla Sabita Indra Reddy, 46, who has been elevated to the post of State Home Minister, has in fact become Rajasekhara Reddy's good omen and he invariably begins all his programmes from Chevella, her hometown.
It was from Chevella that Rajasekhara Reddy launched his 1450-km padayatra in 2003 and went on to become the state Chief Minister in 2004.
Ever since, Chevella has become his favourite place for launching all his programmes and Sabita thus became his adopted sister 'Chevella Chellamma'.
Now, Sabita has been made the State Home Minister, making her the first woman to occupy that coveted post in the state.
However, as in the past, the crucial law and order subject will be handled by the Chief Minister himself and not the Home Minister.
Sabita will get to handle general police administration, jails and correctional services, fire and emergency services and sainik welfare as Home minister, according to an official communiqué.
"It's so thrilling that I have become the Home Minister, a post once held by my late husband Indra Reddy. I am extremely thankful to the Chief Minister for this," a visibly ecstatic Sabita remarked as news broke of her appointment.