Taming Revanth Reddy Or Appeasing Party Leaders? Gandhis Considering Two Deputies Alongside Telangana CM

In a crucial meeting on Monday (4 December), a substantial majority of the newly-elected Congress MLAs in Telangana voiced their preference for A Revanth Reddy, the state Congress president, as their choice for the chief minister's post, according to reports by Indian Express.

The Congress high command, represented by AICC observers including Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, Karnataka minister K J George, Lok Sabha MP K Muraleedharan, and senior leaders Ajoy Kumar and Deepa Dasmunsi, is expected to announce its decision on Tuesday (5 December).

The swearing-in of the new government is anticipated to take place on Wednesday (6 December), with considerations for appointing one or two deputy chief ministers to strike a caste balance.

During the meeting, the newly-elected MLAs passed a one-line resolution unanimously authorising the Congress president to decide on the new Congress Legislature Party leader, maintaining a tradition in the party.

“The legislators resolved that they will abide by whatever decision the AICC takes. The resolution also thanks the people of Telangana for giving an opportunity to the Congress. The newly elected legislators thanked AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and all senior Congress leaders who campaigned here,” said Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar.

While senior Congress MLAs seconded the resolution, indicating a unified front, it is worth noting that not all leaders are in favor of Revanth Reddy.

However, the high command appears to believe that he has the support of the party cadre and played a pivotal role in energising and leading the Congress campaign.