High Command moves to quell discontent among senior

metro india news  I hyderabad

In what appears to be a carefully calibrated political move, the Congress High Command has sought to correct the caste and seniority imbalances that surfaced during the last Cabinet expansion of the Revanth Reddy-led government in Telangana. The latest round of appointments reflects an effort to pacify disgruntled veterans and ensure equilibrium among key communities, following the caste census and the SC sub-categorisation exercise that influenced the earlier expansion.

The inclusion of former cricketer and MLC Mohammed Azharuddin in the Cabinet, followed by the appointments of senior leaders P. Sudarshan Reddy and K. Prem Sagar Rao to cabinet-rank posts, underscores the Congress leadership’s strategy of accommodation and damage control. Both Sudarshan Reddy and Prem Sagar Rao were strong contenders for ministerial berths in the June 2025 expansion but were sidelined due to caste considerations. Their exclusion at that time had triggered unease within the party, forcing the Deputy Chief Minister, the AICC in-charge for Telangana, and other senior leaders to personally meet and pacify them with assurances of suitable positions later.

This week’s appointments fulfill those assurances and send a signal of inclusivity to Congress loyalists across regions and communities. However, one notable absentee in this round of rewards is Komatireddy Rajagopal Reddy, who was also among the aspirants left out in June. His vocal displeasure over not being accommodated remains unresolved, raising questions about how the leadership will handle his case in the coming months.

According to the government orders issued by Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao on Friday, Bodhan MLA P. Sudarshan Reddy has been appointed as Advisor to the Government (Implementation of all Flagship Welfare and Developmental Schemes), with the rank and status of a Cabinet Minister. He will review the execution of key welfare and development schemes, coordinating with district collectors, departmental secretaries, and other officials. A Special Chief Secretary or equivalent officer will head a dedicated unit to assist him, which will also brief the Cabinet periodically on implementation progress.

Mancherial MLA K. Prem Sagar Rao has been appointed as Chairman of the Telangana Civil Supplies Corporation Ltd., also with Cabinet Minister status. Both leaders will enjoy full ministerial privileges — including pay, staff, official accommodation, Secretariat chambers— effectively restoring their stature within the Congress power structure and reinforcing the High Command’s balancing act in Telangana’s evolving political landscape. Sudarshan Reddy, in his capacity as the Advisor has been given a Special Invitee status to attend the Cabinet meetings.