Revanth Reddy Chosen as Telangana’s 1st Congress Chief Minister

On 5th December 2023, All India Congress Committee General Secretary K. C. Venugopal announced A. Revanth Reddy as the Telangana Congress Legislative Party (CLP) leader during a press briefing.

The Congress central leadership has put an end to the suspense surrounding the Chief Ministerial position in Telangana by naming A. Revanth Reddy as its choice. This historic decision marks a significant moment as Mr. Reddy is set to become Telangana’s first Congress Chief Minister.

A. Revanth Reddy is scheduled to take the oath of office on December 7, signifying a new era for the Congress party in the state.

Background and Election Results

Despite losing the Kamareddy seat to the BJP candidate Katipally Venkataramana Reddy, A. Revanth Reddy, the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee president, secured a thumping majority in the Kodangal Assembly constituency.

The Congress central leadership, led by party president Mallikarjun Kharge, based its decision on a comprehensive report submitted by party observers who attended the Telangana CLP meeting in Hyderabad on 4th December 2023.

Revanth Reddy – A Dynamic Leader

All India Congress Committee general secretary K. C. Venugopal, announcing the decision, praised A. Revanth Reddy as a dynamic leader. The decision was influenced by feedback from Congress observers, including Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Telangana party in-charge Manikrao Thakare.

Mr. Venugopal highlighted A. Revanth Reddy’s extensive campaigning efforts leading up to the elections, emphasizing his role in galvanizing the party in the state.

Revanth Reddy’s Political Journey

A. Revanth Reddy is widely recognized for revitalizing the Congress party, especially at a time when the BJP posed a significant challenge to the ruling Bharath Rashtra Samithi (BRS). In the 2018 elections, the Congress secured only 19 seats, making this recent victory all the more remarkable.

Revanth Reddy’s recognition for revitalizing the party, especially when the BJP was perceived as the main challenger, played a crucial role in his selection as the Chief Ministerial candidate.

The Congress, which won only 19 seats in 2018, experienced a revival under the leadership of A. Revanth Reddy, making him a prominent figure in Telangana politics.

Future Priorities and Team Effort

Asked how the party planned to accommodate senior leaders who had expressed their aspirations, Venugopal said: “We will recognise all the senior leaders. This is going to be a team and not a one-man show.”

He said the new government would provide “maximum governance to the people of Telangana” and “fulfill the aspirations of the people of Telangana, especially the guarantees which we gave to the people.”

The Congress party reiterates its commitment to the people of Telangana, with the new government’s top priority being the fulfillment of their aspirations and the promises made during the campaign.

Emphasizing a collaborative approach, Mr. Venugopal stated that the leadership envisions a team effort in the state, involving all stakeholders in the governance process.

Key Promises of Congress Party

Under a scheme named “Abhaya Hastam” (helping hand), the Congress has promised Rs 2,500 a month to women,

Cooking gas at Rs 500 and free travel in all Telangana state transport buses under the Mahalakshmi scheme.

Rythu Bharosa financial assistance to farmers.

200 units of free electricity under Gruha Jyothi.

Land for the homeless to build houses under Indramma Indlu housing scheme.

Rs 5 lakh educational assistance under Yuva Vikasam.

Monthly pension of Rs 6,000 to senior citizens, widows and single women, among others, under a pension scheme named Cheyutha.

Focus on Cabinet Formation

With the Chief Minister in place, the Congress now shifts its focus to constituting the new Council of Ministers. The task involves accommodating ambitious aspirants among its 64 MLAs, balancing the mix of newcomers and seasoned politicians.

The Congress, having secured 64 seats out of the state’s 119, looks forward to translating its electoral success into effective governance in Telangana.

Click here to read more about the state assembly elections result 2023.