T Cabinet: Vijayashanti gets shock, one family gets more offers

The recent expansion of the Telangana cabinet under Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy—bringing in three new ministers, Adluri Laxman Kumar (Madiga – SC), Vakiti Srihari (Mudiraj – BC), and Gaddam Vivek Venkataswamy (Mala – SC)—has triggered significant unrest within the Telangana Congress. Many senior leaders and MLAs are openly expressing frustration over being denied ministerial posts.

Among the prominent aspirants left disappointed is actor-turned-politician Vijayashanti. She had openly expressed confidence about securing a cabinet berth, even informing the media after her meeting with AICC in-charge Meenakshi Natarajan. However, her name was not on the list—leaving her and her supporters dismayed.

The new ministers were sworn in on Sunday, with the Congress high command stressing its commitment to social justice by inducting leaders from marginalized communities. Additionally, tribal leader Ramachandru Naik was appointed Deputy Speaker of the Telangana Legislative Assembly. While the party projected the move as a step toward inclusive governance, the exclusion of several high-profile aspirants—particularly from the Reddy community and other influential groups—has stoked internal dissent.

Rising tensions

The decision to favor first-time MLAs over seasoned leaders has deepened the rift within the party. Senior MLAs such as P. Sudarshan Reddy, Komatireddy Rajagopal Reddy, and Prem Sagar Rao—considered strong contenders for cabinet positions—were sidelined, prompting sharp reactions.

Several Congress leaders allege that the AICC leadership, particularly Meenakshi Natarajan, overrode recommendations made by Revanth Reddy and Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka.

In an attempt to contain the fallout, TPCC chief Mahesh Kumar Goud, Minister Ponnam Prabhakar, CM adviser Vem Narender Reddy, and MP Anil Yadav rushed to Sudarshan Reddy’s residence to pacify him. Meanwhile, former Sirpur MLA Koneru Konappa, a BRS defector, voiced his dissatisfaction, accusing the Congress of sidelining newcomers despite their contributions to the party’s electoral success.

Lack of minority representation

The cabinet’s complete lack of Muslim representation—an unprecedented move in the combined history of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana—remains a major sore point. Earlier speculations that the Congress would nominate one or two Muslim leaders to the Legislative Council to facilitate their inclusion in the cabinet have so far not materialized, further alienating a community that strongly backed the party in the 2023 elections.

One family, four posts

Adding to the controversy is the inclusion of G. Vivek Venkataswamy, whose family already boasts multiple elected representatives. Vivek’s induction has reignited criticism of dynastic politics within the Congress—particularly since the party had previously attacked the BRS for its alleged “family rule.” Critics point out that Vivek’s brother Vinod is an MLA and his son Vamsi Krishna is an MP. Furthermore, Vivek wields considerable media influence through ownership of V6 News and Velugu daily, giving him the ability to shape public narratives. Many within the party allege that this media clout has contributed to his family’s disproportionate political gains—securing four key posts within a single family.