Two Rajya Sabha seats in Telangana, many aspirants: Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Justice Sudershan Reddy lead buzz

Hyderabad: With two Rajya Sabha seats vacant and the Election Commission set to issue notifications on February 26, Telangana Congress has turned into a high-pressure zone of political maneuvering.

According to sources, the race in the party will be decided on two tracks: how intellectual and loyal the candidate is.

The two names dominating the scene are those of Abhishek Manu Singhvi and the ‘son of the soil’ Justice B Sudershan Reddy, explained sources in the Congress party.

Abhishek Manu Singhvi

Abhishek Manu Singhvi is New Delhi’s choice, according to sources. Having entered the Rajya Sabha from Telangana via a bypoll in August 2024 (filling the seat vacated by K Keshava Rao), his current tenure is a ‘bridge term’ ending April 9.

The Congress leadership views a full six-year term for Singhvi as essential to maintain their legal defense in the Upper House.

Despite his stature, Singhvi faces the ‘outsider’ tag from local Telangana units who feel the seat should be used to reward state-level loyalty.

Justice B Sudershan Reddy

A retired Supreme Court Judge, Justice Reddy, has emerged as the most formidable ‘local’ alternative. His standing was cemented in September 2025 when he served as the INDIA bloc’s joint candidate for Vice President.

Unlike Singhvi, Justice Reddy is a native of the erstwhile Ranga Reddy district. He recently chaired the Expert Working Group for the State’s 2024 Caste Survey—a flagship project of CM Revanth Reddy—making him a favorite of the State government.

A senior Congressman explained, “From intellectual debates in Rajya Sabha to local recognition, we have Justice Reddy, who is accepted by all. There are strong supporters for him in the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee.”

The Chief Minister Revanth Reddy recently attended the wedding ceremony of Keerthi, the granddaughter Justice B Sudarshan Reddy which has intensified the rumours that Delhi is looking at Justice Reddy seriously.

‘Political Slot’ in locals

While the first seat is likely to go to one of the legal titans mentioned above, the second seat has triggered a fierce internal battle among party loyalists who have spent decades on the ground.

The names doing the rounds and whispers in the political corridors are:

1. Vem Narender Reddy

As a key advisor and close confidant to Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, Narender Reddy is widely considered the State government's primary nominee. His appointment would signal the CM’s total control over the state’s parliamentary delegation.

2. G Chinna Reddy

The vice-chairman of the State Planning Board is leaning heavily on a ‘commitment’ made by the AICC.

He claims he was promised a Rajya Sabha berth during the 2023 Assembly elections in exchange for stepping aside for other candidates. He has already met with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge to remind the leadership of this debt.

3. Madhu Yaskhi Goud

As a former MP and a prominent voice in the TPCC, Goud remains a strong contender. He represents the party’s traditional leadership and has deep ties to both the state and national organisational wings.

Delhi considerations

The AICC is currently weighing several factors before the March 5 nomination deadline:

Caste Balancing: With the State recently completing its Caste Survey, the party is under pressure to ensure the nominees reflect Telangana’s social demographics.

State vs. Centre: According to sources, CM Revanth Reddy wants to reward his inner circle, while the Gandhi family wants to ensure the party’s strongest national voices have a seat in Parliament.

The countdown

The coming days will see a flurry of meetings at 10 Janpath and Kharge’s residence. There is also heavy lobbying from Telangana, as there are people reaching out to mentors and friends in New Delhi seeking support in the selection committee.