Anumula Revanth Reddy, the second Chief Minister of Telangana, has carved a unique niche in Indian politics with his dynamic personality, adaptability, and ability to maintain cordial relationships across party lines. His political journey, which spans multiple parties and ideologies, reflects a rare blend of pragmatism, ambition, and resilience. From his early days as a student activist with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) to his current role as a Congress stalwart leading Telangana, Revanth Reddy’s career is a testament to his ability to navigate turbulent political waters while keeping his focus on public service. His recent statements, particularly those reflecting on his political evolution and interpersonal relationships, highlight why he is often described as a "man of all seasons."

At a recent NITI Aayog meeting in Delhi, Revanth Reddy shared a light-hearted yet revealing anecdote about a conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Pointing to Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief N. Chandrababu Naidu, Modi remarked, “Your colleague is here.” Revanth responded with characteristic wit: “I had my schooling in yours (BJP), college with him (Naidu), and now I’m doing a job with Rahul Gandhi ji.” This quip, shared widely on social media platforms like X, encapsulates Revanth’s journey from the RSS-affiliated ABVP to the TDP, and finally to the Congress, where he now serves as Telangana’s Chief Minister. Revanth mentioned about this at Dattatreya book realise function. It also underscores his knack for maintaining personal rapport with leaders across the political spectrum, a quality that sets him apart in an often-polarized political landscape.

Revanth’s political odyssey began in the 1980s as a student leader with the ABVP, the student wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). His early association with the ABVP shaped his organizational skills and ideological grounding, though he later distanced himself from the BJP. Reflecting on this period during an interaction with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during the Bharat Jodo Yatra in Telangana, Revanth candidly admitted that his time with the RSS and ABVP had initially influenced his views against the Gandhi family. “I was taught to see the Gandhis in a certain light, but working with you has changed my perspective,” he told Rahul, showcasing his willingness to evolve and embrace new ideologies. This openness has been a cornerstone of his ability to connect with diverse political figures and ideologies.

After his stint with the ABVP, Revanth briefly aligned with the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (now Bharat Rashtra Samithi, BRS) in the early 2000s, drawn by its regional aspirations. In an interview several years ago, he praised BRS chief K. Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) for his leadership in securing statehood for Telangana. “KCR’s determination and strategic moves were pivotal in achieving Telangana’s statehood,” Revanth said, acknowledging the former CM’s role in galvanizing the movement that led to the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh in 2014. Despite this admiration, Revanth’s tenure with the BRS was short-lived, as he found his ambitions misaligned with the party’s direction. His subsequent move to the TDP marked a significant phase in his career.

Joining the TDP in 2008 under the mentorship of N. Chandrababu Naidu, Revanth quickly rose through the ranks, winning the Kodangal Assembly seat in 2009 and 2014. He became a confidante of Naidu, serving as the TDP’s floor leader in the Telangana Assembly. However, his time with the TDP was marred by controversy in 2015 when he was arrested in a cash-for-vote scandal, accused of attempting to bribe a nominated MLA to support a TDP candidate.

Though he secured bail and maintained his innocence, the incident strained his relationship with the TDP, prompting his exit in 2017. Revanth’s decision to join the Congress, facilitated by Rahul Gandhi, was a turning point. “I saw Congress as the platform to realize my vision for Telangana,” he said in a 2018 interview, reflecting on his switch.

Since joining the Congress, Revanth has demonstrated remarkable resilience and strategic acumen. Appointed president of the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee in 2021, he revitalized the party’s fortunes, leading it to a decisive victory in the 2023 Telangana Assembly elections, ousting the BRS after a decade in power. His aggressive campaigning, often targeting KCR’s governance, earned him both admiration and criticism. BRS leaders have accused him of being an “agent” of Naidu, while AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has criticized his ABVP roots. Yet, Revanth remains unfazed, emphasizing his ability to maintain friendships across parties. “I don’t burn bridges. Politics is about working together for the greater good,” he said in a 2023 interview with The Hindu.

As Chief Minister, Revanth has focused on rebranding Congress as a party synonymous with Telangana’s identity. His decision to replace the “TS” vehicle registration with “TG” and install a new Telangana Talli statue at the State Secretariat stirred controversy but underscored his intent to establish himself as a “son of the soil.” Critics, particularly from the BRS, argue that his TDP past undermines his Telangana credentials, but Revanth counters this by emphasizing his commitment to the state’s progress. “Telangana’s sentiment is in my blood. My government is here to serve its people,” he declared during the 2024 Telangana statehood celebrations, which his administration marked with grandeur.

Revanth’s ability to maintain cordial ties with leaders like Naidu and Modi while working under Rahul Gandhi’s leadership highlights his diplomatic finesse. In June 2024, he expressed his desire to foster friendly ties with Andhra Pradesh’s new government under Naidu, stating, “I’ll attend Chandrababu Naidu’s swearing-in if invited. Our states must resolve issues amicably.” This pragmatism extends to his interactions with the central government, as seen in his meetings with Union Ministers to secure funds for Telangana’s infrastructure.

Revanth Reddy’s political journey—from the ABVP to the TDP, BRS, and now Congress—reflects his ability to adapt and thrive in diverse environments. His friendships across parties, candid reflections on his ideological evolution, and relentless focus on Telangana’s development make him a unique figure in Indian politics. As he continues to steer Telangana, Revanth remains a man of all seasons, balancing ambition with pragmatism and conviction with camaraderie. His story is one of reinvention, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to his state’s future.