16 aspirants for Telangana’s two Rajya Sabha seats; selection in final stages, says Mahesh Goud

Hyderabad: As many as 16 aspirants from Telangana have been lined up for the two seats in Rajya Sabha, said Mahesh Kumar Goud, President of Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC). Mahesh Kumar discussed these names with the Leader of the Opposition and MP Rahul Gandhi on his visit to Hyderabad.

Mahesh Kumar Goud said, “The selection process is in the final stages and the names will be announced tomorrow.”

According to sources, Abhishek Manu Singhvi is the frontrunner from Telangana. Rumours of Justice Sudershan Reddy’s name are also rife, but so far, he has not sought a nomination for Rajya Sabha. The names on the list are of senior Congress leaders and four members from the Backward Classes (BC) communities.

8 DCC chiefs denied training certificates for absenteeism

Mahesh Kumar Goud emphasised that Rahul Gandhi is personally overseeing the restructuring of the party; recent training sessions for District Congress Committee (DCC) leaders were conducted with strict oversight.

In a move highlighting a new era of accountability, eight DCC presidents from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana were denied training certificates because they failed to attend more than one day of the 10-day camp.

Addressing internal friction, Goud acknowledged that some DCC presidents have complained about a lack of cooperation from local MLAs. He confirmed that Rahul Gandhi has directed immediate attention to this issue, and discussions have already been held with the concerned legislators to ensure a unified front.

TPCC chief denies allegations from Opposition

On the national front, Mahesh Kumar stood firmly behind Rahul Gandhi, stating he was being unfairly targeted. He turned the tables on the BJP, demanding a response from the RSS regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s alleged mentions in the Epstein files.

In Telangana, he dismissed the BRS’s criticism of the Chief Minister’s recent remarks. He clarified that the CM’s statement—about party workers contributing Rs 1 to reach a Rs 1,000 crore goal—was being intentionally misrepresented. He further questioned the source of funds previously mentioned by KCR during his ‘Third Front’ proposals.

Ideology and the Maoist issue

In a significant statement regarding internal security and ideology, Mahesh Goud expressed a nuanced view on the Maoist movement. While acknowledging ideological differences, he noted a mutual claim by both Congress and Maoists to fight for the poor.

“Congress opposed Operation Kagar,” Goud remarked, questioning why Prime Minister Narendra Modi is willing to talk to Pakistan but not to the Maoists. He stated that while the party is not actively scouting for members, Maoists who wish to surrender and join the democratic path through the Congress party would be welcomed.

Looking ahead

Mahesh Kuamr Goud said that several Corporation posts in the state will be filled within March, with the selection exercise currently underway. He also expressed confidence in the party’s prospects beyond Telangana, asserting that Congress is poised to form the government in Kerala.