Hyderabad: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy will leave for Delhi on Friday, two days after returning from a 12-day trip to the USA and South Korea. The sudden visit has sparked political speculation, especially in light of the Congress’ plans to re-launch 'Operation Akarsh,' targeting six more BRS MLAs, particularly from the Greater Hyderabad region.
Reddy, who also is the TPCC president, is reportedly seeking approval from the party high command for this move. This development follows speculation that three to four BRS MLAs are in contact with the BJP and may soon switch allegiances.
During an informal chat with the media in Delhi last month, Revanth Reddy had stated that defected MLAs would not be eligible for Cabinet positions. He emphasised that only those who won on Congress B-forms would be considered for the Cabinet expansion, which has been pending since December. Six berths are vacant in the Cabinet.
This stance has deterred some BRS MLAs, who are seeking ministerial berths, from joining the ruling party, a situation the BJP is exploiting by promising a "bright future" if they switch to the saffron party. BJP leaders are confident that the party will form the next government in Telangana, which they are using as a selling point to attract BRS defectors.
In response, Revanth Reddy is rushing to Delhi to discuss countermeasures. He is expected to propose offering chairperson positions with Cabinet rank in state-run corporations to BRS MLAs. This strategy aims to prevent defections to the BJP.
Reddy will likely discuss the long-pending Cabinet expansion, appointment of a TPCC chief and filling of remaining nominated posts during interactions with the high command. Over the last eight months, 10 out of 38 BRS MLAs have joined Congress.
