Revanth Reddy’s dinner diplomacy: Improves relations with cabinet colleagues

In a significant development that reflects growing concerns over Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy’s leadership style, the Congress high command has stepped in to curtail his autonomy by forming oversight committees to monitor party and government activities in the state.

Meenakshi Natarajan, a trusted confidante of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and a former MP, recently announced various committes.

Sources within the Congress reveal that the high command is dissatisfied with Reddy’s governance style and his recent outreach to opposition parties, particularly the TDP and BJP—moves seen as contradicting the Congress’s ideological position in the state.

Rumors of Revanth’s removal quashed

Earlier this month, speculation was rife that the Congress leadership was considering replacing Revanth Reddy with senior leaders like Jana Reddy or Uttam Kumar Reddy. However, following internal consultations, Meenakshi Natarajan is believed to have advised the high command to retain Revanth for the time being, after securing support from other state leaders.

In an effort to ease internal tensions and rebuild trust within the party, CM Revanth Reddy hosted a dinner for his cabinet colleagues at his residence in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, earlier this week. The gathering was aimed at reconciling with dissenting ministers who have expressed dissatisfaction with his leadership.

The dinner meeting was part of Reddy’s broader effort to address grievances related to portfolio allocations and centralized decision-making. While he reportedly assured greater inclusivity moving forward, sources indicate that skepticism persists among some ministers—prompting the high command to enforce a more structured system of oversight.

To ensure better coordination and alignment with the national agenda, the Congress leadership has constituted several committees tasked with monitoring governance, party organization, and alliance strategies in Telangana. Meenakshi Natarajan will supervise these bodies and report directly to the high command.

A senior Congress leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated, “The high command is clear that Telangana cannot afford internal discord or any perception of aligning with parties like the TDP or BJP, which undermines our core values.”

Revanth Reddy changes tone

Sensing mounting pressure and the threat to his position, Revanth Reddy appears to have recalibrated his approach. He recently made critical remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, particularly targeting the PM’s decision to agree to a ceasefire with Pakistan during the recent border conflict.

These statements are seen as a deliberate attempt to dispel the perception that he is reluctant to criticize Modi or the BJP due to personal ties.

The Congress high command’s latest moves underline its commitment to maintaining party discipline, ideological clarity, and internal unity in a politically crucial state.