In a strategic move that could reshape Telangana’s political landscape, Congress leaders have begun discussions about appointing a Chief Minister (CM) from the Backward Classes (BC) community. The idea was initially sparked by the party’s MLC, Theenmar Mallanna, who recently stated that Chief Minister Revanth Reddy would be the “last Reddy CM” of Telangana. The statement has fueled conversations within the party about giving representation to BCs at the highest political office in the state.
Revanth Reddy, Nagarkurnool MP Mallu Ravi, and TPCC Chief B. Mahesh Kumar Goud have reportedly started discussions on the possibility of a BC CM, indicating that Congress may be preparing to make a historic move in the state. However, there is speculation within Congress circles about whether the party’s senior leadership is pushing this idea at the behest of the high command or simply testing the waters, especially in the context of ongoing discussions around caste-based surveys and reservations for BCs.
A few days ago, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy himself stated that he would not mind if he were the last Reddy CM in Telangana, expressing his willingness to align with Rahul Gandhi’s ideology for the greater good. This statement appeared to leave the door open for the selection of a BC CM in the future, signaling a potential shift in the party’s approach to caste-based leadership representation.
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On Sunday, Mallu Ravi made further comments, asserting that Congress would indeed appoint a BC CM in the future, underscoring that the party was committed to prioritizing BCs in the state’s leadership. On Monday, TPCC Chief B. Mahesh Kumar Goud reiterated this stance, claiming that a BC candidate would become the Chief Minister of Telangana. However, he clarified that Revanth Reddy would remain in office for the current term, ensuring that BCs would be given due representation when the Cabinet is expanded.
This discussion comes on the heels of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) initially raising the BC CM idea before the 2023 Assembly elections, suggesting that if voted to power, it would appoint a BC CM. However, the BJP’s electoral loss and subsequent internal controversies, including the removal of BC leader Bandi Sanjay Kumar from the Telangana BJP president post, have weakened its claims on the issue.
The push for a BC CM within Congress first gained traction through Theenmar Mallanna, who has been vocal in his criticism of certain Reddy leaders within the party. Mallanna’s remarks have helped set the stage for broader conversations within the Congress about the need for greater BC representation in leadership roles.
While Congress leaders, including Reddy, Ravi, and Goud, have endorsed the idea of a BC CM in the future, they also made it clear that Revanth Reddy would serve his full term. This indicates that the party is not likely to push for a change in leadership immediately but is planning ahead for future elections. The possibility of a BC candidate occupying the CM position is seen as a political experiment aimed at addressing concerns over caste representation, with some leaders speculating that Congress may implement the change in subsequent elections.
Historically, while Congress, TDP, and BRS have all had CM candidates from various communities, none of these parties have appointed a BC leader to the top post in either Andhra Pradesh or Telangana. The closest instance was when Congress appointed Damodaram Sanjeevaiah, a Dalit, as CM of United Andhra Pradesh in 1960. Similarly, T. Anjaiah, who some claim to be a Reddy, served as Andhra Pradesh CM in the early 1980s.
As Congress prepares for the upcoming political challenges, this discussion about a BC CM is seen as a potential game-changer. The party appears determined to prioritize BC communities, not only to defend its stance on caste-based policies but also to resonate with a significant voter base in Telangana’s diverse political landscape. How this strategy will unfold remains to be seen, but it signals a shift in the party’s long-term vision for governance in the state.
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