CL Rajam

Hyderabad: Eighteen months after the Telangana State Assembly elections, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has emerged as a formidable force in state politics, orchestrating a calculated strategy that has reshaped the political landscape. The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), once considered invincible, suffered a decisive defeat in the 2023 polls, paving the way for a revitalized Congress government under Reddy’s leadership. Revanth Reddy’s strategic manoeuvring has positioned him as a dominant force in Telangana politics.

By outpacing the BRS, aligning senior Congress leaders, and pragmatically engaging with the Centre, he has laid a strong foundation for his administration. However, the road ahead is fraught with challenges, from internal party dissent to external political pressures. As Telangana’s political landscape evolves, Reddy’s ability to sustain his momentum will determine the Congress’s fortunes in the state. For now, his crafted strategy has undeniably reshaped Telangana’s political narrative. 

The Fall of BRS and Congress’s Rise

Prior to the 2023 elections, the BRS, led by K Chandrashekar Rao (KCR), appeared unassailable. Having rebranded the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) as BRS with national ambitions, KCR’s dominance seemed secure. However, Revanth Reddy, with his dynamic leadership, galvanized the Congress cadre, coordinated with senior leaders, and traversed the state to rally support. His campaign promises resonated with voters, leading to a stunning upset as the Congress toppled the BRS, marking a new chapter for Telangana.

The BRS’s defeat stemmed from multiple factors Navigating Internal Congress Dynamics

A key question post-election was whether Reddy could unify the Congress, given the presence of senior leaders who considered themselves chief ministerial material. Over the past 18 months, Reddy has adeptly won their support. Public endorsements from these leaders affirm his leadership, aligning with the Congress High Command’s directives. His administration has been bolstered by appointing trusted IAS and IPS officers, ensuring efficient governance and consolidating his authority.

However, internal dissent—a hallmark of Congress politics—persists. Senior leaders have reportedly raised concerns with the party’s high command, potentially delaying cabinet expansion. Despite these challenges, Reddy’s governance has earned recognition from the Congress leadership, though securing their full confidence remains a work in progress.

Outpacing the Opposition

As the main opposition, the BRS has struggled to regain its footing. It failed to capitalize on the Congress’s incomplete implementation of its “six guarantees” or highlight issues like alleged corruption in Banakacharla. 

The BRS’s inability to mobilize public sentiment on critical matters, coupled with its leaders’ legal troubles, has confined its efforts to media conferences. KCR’s ill health, Kavitha’s revolt, differences between KTR and Harish Rao have further damaged the BRS. Meanwhile, Revanth has proactively countered BRS narratives, keeping the opposition on the defensive with a counter agenda. 

Balancing Relations with the Centre

Reddy faces the challenge of securing central funds while maintaining a delicate balance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Publicly critical of the BJP’s political agenda, Reddy has adopted a pragmatic approach, seeking a cooperative relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He has described this dynamic as a “bade bhai, chote bhai” (elder brother, younger brother) partnership and acknowledged learning from the “BJP school.” By championing issues like the protection of goshalas (cow shelters), Reddy has subtly checked the BJP’s Hindutva agenda in Telangana, a strategy reminiscent of KCR’s earlier playbook of supporting NDA bills in Parliament to contain the BJP’s influence.

Challenges Ahead

With three years until the next Assembly elections, Reddy faces several hurdles. Grassroots corruption, incomplete welfare programs due to funding constraints, and the rising influence of the BJP and the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) pose significant threats. The Congress’s internal dynamics and the high command’s cautious stance on Reddy’s leadership could further complicate matters. The delay in cabinet expansion underscores these tensions, as Reddy navigates the delicate balance between governance and party unity.