The appointment of A. Revanth Reddy as president of the Congress in Telangana seems to have energised party workers. Known for his sharp rhetoric and rebellious attitude, the 53-year-old MP has admirers cutting across party lines and a strong social media presence—qualities that set him apart from fellow Congress leaders.
It has been less than four years since he quit the Telugu Desam Party and joined the Congress. Reddy’s 15-year-old political career has seen several highs and lows. In 2015, he was arrested on charges of paying bribes to influence voters during the legislative council elections. Last year, a case was filed against him for allegedly flying a drone over a private property without permission.
Reddy says he has been a victim of political vendetta. He is now focused on a four-step plan to revive the Congress’s fortunes in the state. “Crisis makes leaders,” he says. Excerpts from an exclusive interview:
Many senior leaders were in the race for the top post. Why were you chosen?
There is no specific reason. We are in the opposition and we have to fight. That is the situation. When the party is in power, experienced leaders are needed to make key decisions. When in opposition, it is important to fight for people’s issues. [Chief Minister] K. Chandrashekar Rao has been misusing power and silencing the opposition. I have been given a chance since it is the right time to put up a committed fight.
In 2014, the Congress won 21 assembly seats. Today, the party has only six MLAs.
This story is from the July 18, 2021 edition of THE WEEK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July 18, 2021 edition of THE WEEK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Ram temple not an issue in south
Much has been said this election season about the alleged north-south divide.
Haute and sweaty
In Mumbai, where I live and work, there is a severe heatwave going on. The highest temperature this month has been 40 degrees, sweltering and humid for the coastal city.
MOVE AWAY MARY!
In many parts of the world,unique names are becoming popular
CALL OF THE WILD
Tejas Thackeray, the younger son of former Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray, shares his passion for wildlife conservation and photography
CEPA and beyond
Bilateral trade between the UAE and India has grown almost 16 per cent year-on-year, touching $84.5 billion
Brash and raw
When I chanced upon Raj Narain, who humbled Indira Gandhi
Lone voice of dissent
“I am keen to invite Parakala [Prabhakar] to Mumbai… What do you think? Do you know him?” A friend asked. No, I don’t know the man. And no, it is not a good idea to invite him, unless you want to invite trouble, I replied.
Modi and the Muslim syndrome
I have long been intrigued by the prime minister’s desire to hug every passing sheikh and sultan and his contrasting contempt for the ordinary Indian Muslim.
Assam Rifles not trained to guard borders; need separate force for Manipur border
Imphal is blanketed in darkness. The sun has set a little too soon in the valley, but N. Biren Singh is yet to call it a day.
SPOTLIGHT ON THE SENTINELS
Manipur government wants the Assam Rifles replaced, but the Union home ministry is focused on upgrading infrastructure and connectivity before deciding who guards the state
