Revanth Reddy, 56, has been officially declared as the next Chief Minister of Telangana by the Congress, ending nearly 48 hours of intense speculation following the party’s victory in the recent election. The swearing-in ceremony is slated on Thursday.
Although the Congress faced scrutiny for the delay in confirming Reddy’s appointment, he garnered support from over 40 of the party’s 64 newly-elected MLAs. Senior leader KC Venugopal assured a swift installation, stressing the importance of the swearing-in scheduled for Thursday.
Revanth Reddy, a prominent figure in the Congress’ campaign, boasts of a diverse political background, including stints in the BJP’s student wing, the TRS (formerly the Telangana Rashtra Samithi), and the Telugu Desam Party. Now tasked with both governing and expanding the party’s influence, he faces challenges in the upcoming Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh, respectively.
His rise to prominence began in 2021 when he assumed leadership of the Congress’ Telangana unit, demonstrating the party’s high regard for him. Reddy’s dynamic leadership style, evident in his energetic presence during campaign events alongside Rahul Gandhi, contributed to the party’s success.
The Congress strategically backed Reddy, projecting him as a formidable leader, mirroring their successful approach in Karnataka. Despite internal protests, the high command’s choice aimed to amplify Reddy’s image in the lead-up to the state polls. His strong presence resonated in Kamareddy, a traditional BRS stronghold, and Kodangal, where he is leading. Meanwhile, KCR maintains his stronghold in Gajwel.
In conclusion, Revanth Reddy’s journey reflects a rapid ascent within the Congress, marked by dynamic leadership and strategic positioning, setting the stage for his role as the new Chief Minister of Telangana.