Hyderabad: Chief minister A Revanth Reddy on Wednesday issued a warning to Congress leaders seeking to maintain cordial ties with the BRS, stressing that the opposition party would field candidates against them in the upcoming elections, regardless of any friendly gestures.
Speaking at the Congress legislature party meeting alongside TPCC president B Mahesh Kumar Goud, the CM questioned whether MLAs truly believed that BRS would spare them in the elections just because of their attempts at fostering good relations.
The warning came amidst growing speculation about BRS turncoat MLA from Patancheru, Gudem Mahipal Reddy, who met Leader of the Opposition K Chandrasekhar Rao on the same day and invited the former CM to his family wedding. This interaction fuelled rumours that some turncoat MLAs were contemplating a return to BRS, especially in the event of by-elections following the Supreme Court’s hearing on the disqualification case filed by BRS.
Mahipal Reddy is already facing a disciplinary inquiry by the TPCC for displaying a portrait of KCR in his party office.
In his address, the CM laid out a clear roadmap for Congress ministers, MLAs and MLCs to effectively counter the BRS and BJP’s criticism in the assembly, particularly during the budget session. He announced that from April 6, he would host luncheons with MLAs, MLCs, MPs, and key leaders constituency-wise to address their concerns and discuss strategies for the coming local body polls.
Revanth acknowledged that several Congress MLAs felt that more funds were being allocated to constituencies represented by ministers and assured them that the govt would release adequate funds to all constituencies. He also stressed the importance of active participation in the assembly sessions, emphasising that Congress has accomplished much in 15 months, which should be highlighted during debates.
“All ministers, MLCs, and MLAs must attend the assembly and council sessions. This budget session offers an opportunity to showcase our govt’s achievements,” Revanth said, urging leaders to coordinate and present Congress govt’s efforts in welfare and governance.
The CM was also upset with Nagarjunasagar MLA K Jaiveer Reddy for leaving the CLP meeting while he was speaking, stressing that discipline and consistent work were key to securing a second term in politics.
