Revanth Reddy returns empty-handed from Delhi

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has returned to Hyderabad after a three-day visit to Delhi without securing a meeting with senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. The visit, intended to finalize critical matters such as cabinet expansion and reconstitution of the state party unit, ended in disappointment—further fueling speculation about internal rifts between Reddy and the Congress high command.

Sources confirm that Gandhi declined to meet Reddy during his stay, despite granting audiences to Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) President B Mahesh Kumar Goud on two separate occasions.

Cabinet Expansion and Alleged BJP Proximity

The snub comes amid growing concerns within the party over Reddy’s perceived closeness to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP, an association that many believe is straining his ties with the national leadership.

Revanth Reddy had reportedly planned to discuss cabinet expansion during the visit—an issue pending since January, with six ministerial berths still vacant. Though earlier greenlit by the All India Congress Committee (AICC), his proposed list of candidates appears to have been rejected. The names, said to include G Vivek, Komatireddy Rajgopal Reddy, and a minority representative, sparked internal pushback over regional imbalances and factional disagreements.

The lack of a Muslim MLA in the current Congress legislature further complicates minority representation, prompting consideration of leaders like Amer Ali Khan and Feroz Khan for induction via the Legislative Council. Despite growing frustration among ministerial aspirants and party workers, the leadership has remained silent on the next steps.

Adding to the tension is criticism from within the party over REvanth Reddy’s frequent Delhi visits—reportedly over 40 since taking office—and his meetings with Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

These interactions have led to allegations from both Congress insiders and rivals like BRS working president K T Rama Rao, who accused Reddy of seeking BJP “protection” to shield himself from corruption allegations.

Problems ahead of Telangana formation day

During his Delhi visit, Reddy did meet with AICC General Secretary K C Venugopal and other senior leaders. However, discussions centered more on restructuring the TPCC than on cabinet issues. An announcement regarding the TPCC executive is expected soon.

Despite this, the continued delays and lack of high-level engagement have left many in the party uneasy. With Telangana’s State Formation Day approaching on June 2, the Congress faces increasing pressure to present a unified front against both the BRS and BJP.