CM Revanth tries to placate Jeevan Reddy after BRS MLA Dr Sanjay Kumar joins Congress

Hyderabad/ New Delhi: For the first time, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy responded to senior leader and MLC Jeevan Reddy's issue that hogged the limelight in state politics after the senior leader gave an ultimatum to quit.

The senior leader was upset over the party welcoming his political rival and BRS MLA Dr A Sanjay Kumar without his knowledge.

Revanth who stayed silent as the controversy was unfolding in Hyderabad for the last couple of days, chose to react to it during his ongoing New Delhi tour.

Revanth said that Congress would utilize the vast experience of Jeevan Reddy suitably. He said that Dr Sanjay left BRS to join Congress only for the development of the Jagtial constituency. Revanth invited Jeevan Reddy for a breakfast meeting in New Delhi. AICC In-charge for Telangana Deepa Dasmunshi, Minister D Sridhar Babu, and Dharmapuri MLA A Laxman Kumar were also present.

Later addressing the media, Revanth pointed out that confusion arose as PCC did not take necessary steps on political developments happening in the Jagtial Assembly segment.

“Dear friend Sridhar Babu intervened and had discussions with Jeevan Reddy to clear the misunderstanding and ensure there was no damage to the government, party, or the functionaries, he said, adding that the senior leader's sentiments have been conveyed to the party high command. The Central and State leadership have assured Jeevan Reddy that his role and importance within the party would remain intact. The Congress government would also seek suggestions and advice from Jeevan Reddy, CM added.

Revanth Reddy further said that political rivals (referring to the BRS party) tried to corner Congress on the Jeevan Reddy issue. But they ignored that Jeevan Reddy was a loyalist and committed leader of the Congress for the last 40 years.

High command’s assurance

Congress sources stated that AICC Secretary and MP K C Venugopal told Jeevan Reddy that the state unit should have informed the latter about the admission of BRS MLA. He is learned to have assured Jeevan Reddy that Congress would not ignore his services and commitment to the party for nearly four decades. Jeevan Reddy flew to New Delhi from Hyderabad after receiving a call from the central leadership.

Revanth keen to leave TPCC Chief post

Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has conveyed to the party high command to choose an able leader to succeed him as the new TPCC President. His three-year tenure as TPCC chief was over, CM said. Revanth pointed out that Congress came to power in Telangana and also excelled in parliamentary elections in his tenure. He said he would extend full cooperation to the candidate chosen by the high command as the TPCC Chief.

All portfolios covered: CM

Criticism is being heard that there are no ministers for some portfolios, but it is incorrect, CM said. All portfolios and departments are covered. For instance, the Education portfolio is with me, Revanth pointed out. One must see if Telangana ministers are more experienced and have a track record in politics compared to other States, CM said, adding the series of meetings with Union Ministers in New Delhi was only for development and funds for Telangana, he added.

Revanth faults KCR on defections

Revanth found fault with BRS's stance on MLA defections. It was K Chandrashekar Rao, who engineered mass defections and admitted more than 60 elected representatives from opposition parties during BRS rule. KCR should tender an apology to the people of the State for his actions, CM felt. Meanwhile, Revanth pointed out that general elections in Telangana were held peacefully and smoothly unlike in Andhra Pradesh where the election commission transferred nearly 40 to 50 officials on the eve of elections.