Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, in a candid and light-hearted moment, shared insights into his diverse political journey while launching the autobiography of Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya, titled “Prajala Kathe Naa Atma Katha” (The Story of the People is My Autobiography), at Shilpakala Vedika in Hyderabad on Sunday.
Speaking at the event, Reddy humorously remarked, “My school education was with the BJP, college education was under TDP chief N. Chandrababu Naidu, and I’m currently doing my job with Rahul Gandhi.”
The statement, which drew chuckles from the audience, highlighted his political evolution from his early days with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), an RSS-affiliated organization linked to the BJP, to his tenure as a Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MLA, and now as a prominent Congress leader serving as Telangana’s Chief Minister.
The book launch, attended by a host of dignitaries including former President Ram Nath Kovind, former Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy, and several governors, was marked by praise for Dattatreya’s seven-decade-long public service.
Reddy lauded Dattatreya as an “Ajata Shatruvu” (one without enemies), likening him to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for his ability to maintain cordial relations across party lines. “Dattatreya’s journey from Gowliguda to the Haryana Raj Bhavan is an inspiration for young leaders,” Revanth Reddy said, emphasizing the governor’s humility and dedication to public service.
Recalling a recent interaction during a NITI Aayog meeting, Reddy shared a warm anecdote about Prime Minister Narendra Modi pointing to Chandrababu Naidu and saying, “Your friend is here,” to which Reddy responded with his now-viral schooling-college-job analogy. The event, described as reminiscent of Dattatreya’s apolitical “Alai Bhalai” gatherings, saw leaders from various parties come together, reflecting Dattatreya’s reputation as a unifying figure.
Revanth Reddy also emphasized the need for collaboration between the Congress government and the state BJP, led by G. Kishan Reddy, for Telangana’s development. “Despite political differences, if we work together, Telangana will progress rapidly,” he said.