Revanth: Redeemer of Congress in Telangana

Hyderabad:Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy’s three-year tenure as the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president, from July 2021, is widely hailed as a "golden era" for the Congress in Telangana.

Revanth Reddy, known for his fierce determination and relentless campaigning, single-handedly steered the Congress to a historic victory over the BRS, a party that had ruled Telangana almost unchallenged for a decade from June 2014 to December 2023 since the state’s formation in June 2014. Under his leadership, the Congress not only dethroned the BRS government but also reestablished itself as a formidable political force in the state.

Before Revanth Reddy's appointment, the Congress had faced severe setbacks. Senior leaders Ponnala Lakshmaiah and N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, who served as TPCC presidents, led the party in the 2014 and 2018 Assembly elections but were unable to challenge the dominance of the BRS.

In 2019, the Congress not only failed to secure power but also lost its status as the principal Opposition in the Assembly after a significant number of its MLAs defected to the BRS. The Congress' fortunes plummeted further, with the party being relegated to third place in several elections held between 2019 and 2024, while the BJP emerged as the primary alternative to the BRS.

When Revanth Reddy took over as the TPCC chief in July 2021, the Congress was in a state of disarray. Party leaders and cadre were defecting to either the BRS or the BJP, seeing little future for the Congress in Telangana. Revanth Reddy's aggressive approach, particularly his relentless attacks on BRS leader K. Chandrashekar Rao and his family began to turn the tide. His leadership revitalised the party, instilled new hope among the rank and file, and set the stage for the Congress's resurgence in the state.

Revanth Reddy’s rise to prominence in Telangana Congress was a testament to his resilience and unyielding spirit. At 54, Revanth, a former Telugu Desam MLA with roots in the right-wing Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), led the Congress to a remarkable victory in the state barely two years after being appointed TPCC presiden

His journey in public life began with student activism, and over the years, he carved out a niche for himself as a formidable political leader. Revanth Reddy’s tenure as the TPCC president saw him embarking on extensive tours of constituencies, rallying support for the Congress, and positioning the party.

Sama Ram Mohan Reddy, chairman of TPCC media and communications, highlighted Revanth Reddy's critical role in revitalising the Congress when it was at a low point in the state, reduced to the third position.

"When the Congress was reduced to the No. 3 place in the state, it was at this time that all of us in the Congress discussed and decided that we had to up our game. Revanth Reddy then took over the narrative and stepped up party activities against BRS," said Sama Ram Mohan Reddy.

Revanth Reddy's efforts to unite the Congress were pivotal, particularly in quelling internal rebellion and rallying support among warring factions. By 2022, his constituency tours and vigorous campaigning began to yield tangible results, with the Congress overtaking the BJP as the main alternative to the BRS. His strategic “padayatra,” a statewide march in 2022, played a key role in this transformation.

"The Congress has taken over the BJP’s position as the number two party with his padayatra," Samala added, noting the impact of Revanth Reddy's outreach. The Congress’s victory in neighbouring Karnataka further emboldened the party, seeking to establish a stronger foothold in Telangana.

As the state elections approached, Revanth Reddy convinced over 35 leaders from the BRS and the BJP to join the Congress, significantly bolstering the party's ranks. His willingness to directly challenge Chandrashekar Rao and his family marked a turning point, according to Bhongir MP Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy.

"His padayatra in February 2022 was a turning point. He began taking on Chandrashekar Rao directly and attacking the family. This was something that no Congress leader earlier had dared to do," said Kiran Kumar Reddy.

The Congress high command also played an active role, supplementing Revanth Reddy's efforts by presenting a strategic blueprint for the state elections. The announcement of 'Six Guarantees' by the party leadership was aimed at winning over the Telangana electorate.

Poll strategist Sunil Kanugolu’s team engineered a district-wise campaign, empowering local Congress leaders to counter Chandrshekar Rao’s emotional pitch for statehood.

Revanth Reddy’s oratory skills and his accessibility to the people struck a chord among the electorate, who increasingly viewed Chandrashekar as a 'farm-house CM,' distant from the everyday concerns of the populace.

When the police in Hyderabad arrested Revanth Reddy in March 2020, when he was Malkajgiri Congress MP, for flying a drone over a farmhouse in Jawada, allegedly belonging to BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao, the bitter feud between him and the Rao family gained a new dimension. Revanth Redy was produced before a magistrate who sent him to 14-day judicial custody at the Cherlapalli central prison. Revanth Reddy choose not to move a bail application.

Revanth Reddy alleged that Rama Rao had bought a 25-acre site by intimidating the owners and built illegal farmhouse flouting GO 111 which prohibits putting up permanent structures in the catchment area of the Osmansagar Lake. He got bail after two weeks.