Hyderabad: The appointment of Meenakshi Natarajan as the new AICC incharge of Telangana Congress affairs is being seen as a significant, strategic move ahead of the crucial panchayat elections in the state.
A trusted member of Rahul Gandhi‘s inner circle, Meenakshi brings a wealth of experience to the role. She previously headed the Rajiv Gandhi Panchayat Raj Sangathan and has strong connections with several senior Congress leaders in Telangana. Her ties to the state date back to her tenure as the national president of NSUI, where she forged relationships that have lasted to this day.
While TPCC president B Mahesh Kumar Goud acknowledged the hard work and discipline of outgoing AICC incharge Deepa Dasmunsi, sources suggest there was an undercurrent of dissatisfaction with Dasmunsi’s leadership style. A section of state Congress leaders was unhappy with Dasmunsi’s way of functioning, which they have taken it to the notice of chief minister A Revanth Reddy.
Ministers like Ponnam Prabhakar, Konda Surekha, and other leaders have welcomed Meenakshi’s appointment, praising her familiarity with Telangana’s political landscape, and also thanked Dasmunsi for her role in strengthening the party.
Meenakshi previously visited the state as an AICC observer during the 2023 assembly elections, and her engagement with local issues, such as land reforms in Pochampally, has only strengthened her ties to the region.
“The AICC leadership has high expectations from Meenakshi, particularly in improving coordination between ministers and MLAs,” said a senior party leader. This concern for better coordination, highlighted by AICC general secretary KC Venugopal during his visits, also follows the fallout from an alleged meeting involving over 10 MLAs discussing the lack of cooperation from a cabinet minister. Many believe that Meenakshi’s good rapport with state leaders positions her well to address these internal challenges.
Meenakshi’s rise within the party is noteworthy. Handpicked by Rahul Gandhi, she won the Mandsaur Lok Sabha seat in 2009. With her experience, leadership, and close ties to key figures in Telangana, her appointment is seen as an important step toward galvanising Congress ahead of the local body elections, sources said.
