Mixed result for Revanth Reddy from latest Delhi trip

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy returned from a three-day Delhi visit on Wednesday, visibly frustrated and disappointed after failing to secure a meeting with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, despite meeting other All India Congress Committee (AICC) leaders.

The trip, aimed at finalizing portfolios for three newly inducted ministers and discussing a potential cabinet reshuffle, has instead fueled speculation about strained ties between Reddy and the Congress high command.

In a swift move upon his return, Reddy allocated what sources describe as “simple portfolios” to the new ministers while retaining the critical Home portfolio, signaling his intent to maintain control over key governance areas.

Reddy’s Delhi visit began on June 9, following the induction of G. Vivek Venkatswamy, Vakiti Srihari, and Adluri Laxman into the Telangana Cabinet on June 8. The Chief Minister met AICC general secretary K.C. Venugopal on Monday and AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday, discussing portfolio allocations, the upcoming local body elections, and the party’s achievements, including the BC caste survey and SC categorization.

However, his repeated inability to meet Rahul Gandhi, a recurring issue in recent months, has left Reddy “furious and dejected,” according to party insiders. Revanth Reddy has failed to secure an audience with Gandhi, prompting whispers of a widening gap between the Telangana CM and the Gandhi family.

Allocations to new ministers

Upon returning to Hyderabad, Reddy announced portfolio allocations for the new ministers, opting for less prominent departments to streamline their roles while keeping the Home portfolio, along with Municipal Administration, Education, and other key unallocated portfolios, under his control. Sources indicate that G. Vivek Venkatswamy has been assigned Labour and Mines and Geology, Adluri Laxman is slated for SC/ST Welfare, and Vakiti Srihari will handle Animal Husbandry and Fisheries.

The decision to allot “simple portfolios” is seen as a pragmatic move to avoid overburdening the new ministers, but some party leaders speculate it also reflects Reddy’s reluctance to dilute his authority amid perceived slights from the high command.

Frustrated with other cabinet colleagues

Reddy’s disappointment was palpable during an informal media interaction in Delhi, where he ruled out a broader cabinet reshuffle but hinted at redistributing some of his portfolios to reduce his workload, subject to party consultations.

“There was no discussion on cabinet expansion. I briefed the leadership on Telangana’s caste census and SC categorization,” he said, sidestepping questions about Gandhi’s unavailability. Party sources suggest Reddy had hoped to leverage the Delhi trip to strengthen his position, but it didn’t happen.

The snub has reignited debates within the Telangana Congress, with some leaders questioning Revanth Reddy’s influence in New Delhi.

Despite the setback, Reddy extended invitations to Gandhi and Kharge to attend public rallies in Telangana to highlight the state’s caste survey and 42% BC quota legislation.

As Telangana gears up for its next political chapter, Reddy’s strained dynamics with the Congress high command and his strategic portfolio decisions will likely shape the party’s trajectory in the state.