It is the Congress leadership’s habit of dealing sternly with regional leaders who flex their muscles. They cannot tolerate those who want to act as leaders on their own and those who build their own image among the people. That is why almost all the leaders promoted by the party leadership have no influence in their own states.
However, Revanth Reddy, who has infused a kind of vitality into the Congress party, who is being considered as `outsider’ so far by the senior Congress leaders, somehow managed to become the Chief Minister. But it seems to be gradually becoming hard-nut to the party leadership. That is why top party leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi are reluctant to meet him in person.
Even after 17 months of the party government being formed in Telangana, top leaders are not attending party or government programs in the state. Despite repeated visits to Delhi on issues like cabinet expansion and PCC executive committee, nothing is materializing. Many believe that the reason is that Revanth Reddy may not be in their shoes like other leaders.
The recent serious consideration by the Supreme Court of issues like his outrageous remarks against freedom of speech, arrogant actions, and the rejection of the Anti-Defection Act has put the Congress in a dilemma. The courts have reprimanded the Revanth Reddy government on several occasions.
Complaints from party leaders against Revanth Reddy and his brothers are increasing, especially the proposal to transfer 400 acres of ecological forest area near University of Hyderabad for an IT park has created a big uproar. Criticism is rife within the party that Revanth is alienating the party and government from the people by going to extremes on these issues.
Revanth is also said to not get along well with Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka. Since he was the main contender for the post of Chief Minister, Revanth is being haunted by suspicions that if the Chief Minister has to be changed, he will be the Chief Minister.
That is why Revanth Reddy, who always carries Vikramarka when meeting Union Ministers and party leaders in Delhi, nowadays has been carrying other ministers with him. Congress General Secretary Deepa Dasmunshi, who was in charge of Telangana, was replaced after complaints were received that she was in cahoots with Revanth Reddy.
In her place, Meenakshi Natarajan, a key leader in Rahul Gandhi’s team, was brought in directly. However, there is no change in the situation in the state. Most of the Congress senior leaders in the state are considering him as `former TDP’ leader and Revanth is also trying to accommodate several former TDP leaders in the government.
The fact that serious corruption allegations were made against KCR and other BRS leaders in the past and no action was taken against them after coming to power is a matter of astonishment for the Congress factions. Moreover, during KCR’s rule, contractors who are considered responsible for irregularities are being given a royal treatment.
On the other hand, by frequently visiting Delhi, meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union ministers, he seems to be trying to signal to the party high-command that he has `other options’ if they want to sideline him.
