Hyderabad, Nov 25 (IANS) N. Kiran Kumar Reddy will take over as the 16th chief minister of Andhra Pradesh Thursday afternoon.

Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan will administer oath of office and secrecy to him at 12.14 p.m. at Raj Bhavan.

The governor invited Reddy to form the government after state Congress chief D. Srinivas Thursday morning met him and informed of the Congress Legislature Party's (CLP) decision on the new leader.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi Wednesday night named Reddy as the new chief minister, hours after the party legislators unanimously authorised her to choose the successor to K. Rosaiah, who resigned citing health reasons and work pressure.

After taking oath, 50-year-old Reddy will leave for New Delhi to meet Gandhi and other central leaders for consultations to constitute his ministry.

Reddy resigned as the state assembly speaker Wednesday night. He had earlier served as the government chief whip but was never a minister.

Son of former minister N. Amarnath Reddy, he represents Pileru constituency in Chittoor district of Rayalaseema region.