The cancellation of the Telangana oath ceremony: Insights into the Congress meeting debacle.
The Congress party has adhered to its typical behavior, evident in its delay in electing a Congress Legislature Party leader and subsequently appointing a Chief Minister in Telangana, even though they surpassed the required majority two days ago.
The planned oath ceremony at Raj Bhavan on Monday evening was disrupted despite preparations, reflecting the party’s “democratic DNA.” Despite Revanth Reddy’s apparent prominence during the campaign and victory, the party’s actions have followed expected patterns.
He served as the prominent face and spokesperson for the campaign, backed by the support of Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. The assumption that he would easily become the chief minister or a leading contender was not realistic, given the long-standing tradition of the party having numerous vocal leaders and contenders. Those who had been loyal to the party for many years saw this as an opportunity to assert their influence and remind the leadership of their longstanding dedication. However, dissenting voices emerged from within, including figures like Uttam Kumar Reddy, Bhatti Vikramarka, Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, and Damodar Rajanarasimha, who reportedly objected to Revanth Reddy’s candidature.
Revanth Reddy has been accused by some party leaders of promoting the notion that he is the favored choice of both the public and the MLAs, asserting that arrangements have been made to appoint him as chief minister while accommodating other senior figures as deputy chief ministers or ministers with prestigious portfolios. Critics have highlighted Revanth Reddy’s lack of experience, emphasizing his history of being consistently in the opposition and never having served in a government role.
This is not the first instance of internal party strife for Revanth Reddy. Even during his appointment as PCC chief, allegations surfaced from within his own party, claiming that he had engaged in significant bribery to secure the position of state congress chief. These accusations emerged at a time when the Congress was not seen as a contender for power and was largely disregarded. Additionally, during the distribution of election tickets, accusations arose suggesting that he had “sold” tickets.
Revanth Reddy exerted significant effort to secure Congress tickets for his supporters, recognizing that lacking sufficient support within his party would diminish his chances. His backers assert that 42 MLAs stand behind him, emphasizing that denying him the top position could lead to unrest.
To ascertain the true sentiments of the 64 MLAs, AICC observers conducted individual meetings. Separate discussions were held with various leaders to explore potential solutions. Ultimately, the decision was deferred to the “high command.”
Uttam Kumar Reddy, a 61-year-old veteran with a longstanding affiliation with the Congress, having won seven elections, including an MP seat from Nalgonda, emerged as a strong contender. A former Air Force fighter pilot, he maintains close ties with the Gandhi family, particularly Rajiv Gandhi, making him the “most qualified” for the chief ministerial role.
Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, a 63-year-old leader from the Mala group of the Dalit community, has a political background marked by three terms as an MLA, along with roles as deputy speaker and leader of the opposition. Despite being the brother of Revanth Reddy’s supporter, Mallu Ravi, Vikramarka undertook a 1,400-kilometer march this year, showcasing his commitment to campaigning beyond his constituency.
Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, aged 58, emphasizes his extensive 35-year political career within the party. A former minister and a four-time MLA and MP, he boasts of delivering victory in 11 out of 12 assembly constituencies in his district of erstwhile Nalgonda
