Kamareddy: The arrest of Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) General Secretary Gaddam Chandrasekhar Reddy in an explosives materials case has sparked intense political debate in Kamareddy, exposing factional rifts within the ruling Congress party. Reddy, a prominent real estate businessman, was arrested on July 6, 2025, by Kamareddy police for the illegal supply and storage of gelatine sticks linked to his Sri Vari Eco Township venture in KPR Colony. His brother, Suryam, also implicated, remains absconding.
Reddy’s wife, Gaddam Indu Priya, former Kamareddy municipal chairperson, alleged a conspiracy, claiming the arrest stems from internal party rivalries unable to accept their family’s rising influence. “We respect senior leaders and coordinate with party cadre, but some cannot digest our growth,” she told reporters, vowing to fight the case legally and expressing hope that Congress leadership will deliver justice.
Reddy joined Congress before the 2023 Assembly elections, playing a key role in Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy’s campaign in Kamareddy, coordinating with the CM’s brother, A. Kondal Reddy, against strong opposition from the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS). His recent elevation to TPCC general secretary, reportedly backed by Revanth Reddy, stirred tensions with factions aligned to Mohammad Ali Shabbir, a state government advisor and former Congress leader in the district. Some allege Shabbir’s group influenced the police action, though Reddy had sought to mend ties by meeting Shabbir and displaying his photo at his residence
The case emerged when police uncovered large quantities of gelatine sticks used for blasting rocks in a real estate plot, leading to the arrest of workers and subsequent investigations pointing to Reddy’s involvement. Political opponents claim the arrest highlights group politics in Kamareddy’s Congress unit, with Shabbir’s detractors allegedly supporting Reddy’s rise. Meanwhile, Reddy’s supporters question the timing of the arrest, noting he had leased out the venture to others, raising doubts about his direct involvement.
The controversy has fueled speculation about internal power struggles within Congress, with Reddy’s backers rallying behind him, citing his contributions to the party’s 2023 victory. As police continue their search for Suryam, the case threatens to deepen divisions in Kamareddy’s political landscape, with all eyes on how Congress leadership addresses the fallout.
