Congress panel has leaders on tenterhooks

Hyderabad: The Congress high command’s fact-finding committee to evaluate the party's poor performance during the Lok Sabha elections in Telangana has caused concern among party leaders. The decision, taken on Wednesday, has sent shockwaves through party ranks, especially among those holding positions in the party and government, as well as those expecting future appointments.

Ahead of the election code of conduct that took effect on March 15, the A. Revanth Reddy government appointed chairpersons for 37 corporations. However, the formal government orders (GOs) for these appointments have not yet been issued, intensifying anxiety among the appointees who fear their positions might be revoked based on the committee's assessment.

Party insiders suggest that the committee's findings could lead to major changes within the party. A negative evaluation could result in reshuffling positions and re-evaluating strategies. The high stakes involved have created a sense of unease among current office holders and aspirants for future roles.

In recent Lok Sabha elections, most ministers in the Chief Minister Revanth Reddy's Cabinet failed to retain the majority they had secured in the Assembly elections held six months earlier in December 2023. Except for Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and irrigation minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, none of the Cabinet ministers, including Revanth Reddy, secured a higher majority in their respective constituencies compared to the Assembly polls.

In the Madhira constituency, Bhatti Vikramarka saw an increase of 5,117 votes in the Lok Sabha polls compared to the Assembly elections. In Huzurnagar, Uttam Kumar Reddy's majority increased by 16,493 votes. Conversely, in the Chief Minister's Kodangal constituency, the Congress majority decreased by 23,015 votes. Similarly, nine other ministers in Revanth's Cabinet also saw a decline in their majority from the Assembly to the Lok Sabha polls.

The fact-finding committee will investigate the reasons behind the decrease in majority in the constituencies held by the Chief Minister and ministers, including potential lack of coordination between party MLAs, leaders, and workers.

Revanth Reddy is planning to expand his Cabinet soon, with six vacancies currently available. There is speculation within Congress circles that the high command will consider the committee's report before making decisions on who should be removed from or included in the Cabinet.