Jagga Reddy meets Kharge, pitches Hanumantha Rao and Jetti Kusuma Kumar for Rajya Sabha

New Delhi: The race for Telangana’s upcoming Rajya Sabha vacancies has intensified as TPCC Working President Jagga Reddy officially took the state’s lobbying efforts to the national capital.

Jagga Reddy met with All India Congress Committee (AICC) president Mallikarjun Kharge to formally pitch veteran leader V Hanumantha Rao and AICC Secretary Jetti Kusuma Kumar for the coveted Upper House seats.

Reddy confirmed that the proposals follow preliminary discussions with CM Revanth Reddy, the PCC President and State In-charge Deepa Dasmunsi.

The push for veteran loyalty

In a formal request to the AICC leadership, Jagga Reddy characterised V. Hanumantha Rao as a cornerstone of the Congress party in the Telugu states.

Rao is described as a ‘trusted lieutenant’ of the late Rajiv Gandhi, serving as PCC President at the time of Gandhi’s untimely passing. Beyond his three previous terms in the Rajya Sabha, Rao is recognised nationally as a prominent OBC leader and former President of the OBC MPs Forum.

Reddy argued that Rao’s ‘unwavering loyalty’ and continued energetic presence make his nomination a vital signal to the party cadre that lifelong dedication is recognised.

Strategic community representation

Parallel to the veteran pitch, Reddy is advocating for Jetti Kusuma Kumar, emphasising a family legacy within the Congress spanning 134 years.

Kumar’s father, Jetty Nageswara Rao, was a lawyer and freedom fighter who worked alongside Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru.

Reddy highlighted Kumar’s leadership in the Kamma Global Federation (KGF), noting the community’s significant population of over 6.5 million in Tamil Nadu and its vast influence across the Telugu states.

A former PCC Working President and current AICC Secretary, Kumar’s background includes leading the ‘Rajiv Sena’ for the united Andhra Pradesh.

Political balancing act

The upcoming elections are necessitated by the expiration of terms for members elected in 2020. With the Congress party’s strong position following the 2023 Assembly elections and the 2026 Municipal polls, the party is poised to secure these seats under the MLA quota.

The AICC leadership now faces a delicate balancing act.

They must weigh the ‘unwavering loyalty’ of veterans against the need to accommodate ‘new entrants’ and maintain strict caste equations in line with the party’s ‘Social Justice’ narrative.

Jagga Reddy said, “Rahul Gandhi’s busy schedule prevented an immediate meeting. AICC President Kharge has assured that the proposals will be discussed within the party committee before a final decision is reached.”