Two Telangana congress leaders push for Cabinet berths

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy is facing mounting pressure from within his party, as senior Congress leaders Prem Sagar Rao and Komatireddy Rajagopal Reddy have publicly demanded ministerial positions.

Their demands come amid speculation about a potential cabinet reshuffle and growing unease among several Congress MLAs.

Internal tensions

Prem Sagar Rao, a veteran party loyalist, highlighted his decades-long commitment to the Congress and called on the leadership to reward his service. Rao said, “I’ve been dedicated to the Congress for many years. The party must now acknowledge that commitment.”

Echoing similar sentiments, Munugode MLA Komatireddy Rajagopal Reddy cited promises allegedly made by party leadership during the 2023 elections.

“I was assured a cabinet post for my role in strengthening the party and defeating the BRS. It’s time the leadership keeps its word,” he said at a public event in Nalgonda. Reddy has previously accused internal party rivals of blocking his elevation.

The public appeals have triggered debate within the Congress, with some leaders warning that such pressure tactics could destabilize the government. According to party sources, Revanth Reddy is grappling with the challenge of balancing regional, caste, and factional interests amid rising expectations from long-time loyalists and recent entrants from the BRS.

Political analysts believe these statements could accelerate cabinet changes as the Congress high command seeks to defuse dissent. However, with limited vacancies and many contenders, including high-profile defectors, any reshuffle is likely to be a delicate exercise.

While the Chief Minister’s office has yet to issue an official response, insiders suggest discussions are underway with the AICC to find a resolution.