AICC summons Telangana Ministers, sparks speculation

The AICC has summoned Telangana Cabinet Ministers and senior Congress leaders for a meeting in New Delhi, a week after Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy met party president Mallikarjun Kharge, triggering speculation amid recent controversies in the State

Hyderabad: A week after Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy met AICC chief Mallikarjun Kharge, Cabinet Ministers and a couple of senior leaders from the State have been summoned for a meeting in New Delhi on Thursday, triggering speculation within Gandhi Bhavan.

Last Wednesday, the Chief Minister met the AICC chief and discussed several issues. Of late, the Congress government has been in the news for controversies, including the political row over Singareni coal block tenders, allegations involving Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, charges against Roads and Buildings Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, defections by turncoat MLAs and other developments. Similarly, Forest Minister Konda Surekha’s daughter Sushmita’s recent outburst and allegations against the Chief Minister stirred a political storm. CPI senior leader K Narayana’s claims that there was a threat to the Chief Minister from Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy also exposed internal tensions within the Cabinet.

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Against this backdrop, leaders in Gandhi Bhavan are speculating that these issues may come up for discussion during the meeting with the AICC leadership. Apart from the AICC chief, General Secretary KC Venugopal and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi are expected to attend the meeting.

As a precautionary measure, a few Ministers are learnt to have prepared progress reports on the performance of their respective portfolios over the past two years. There is also uncertainty over whether Munugode MLA Komatireddy Rajgopal Reddy and former Minister T Jeevan Reddy, who have been critical of the Chief Minister during the recent municipal elections, will attend the meeting in Delhi.

However, a section of leaders dismissed the speculation, stating that it was a routine meeting. Similar to meetings held with party units in Haryana, Kerala and other States, the AICC has convened the meeting to discuss political strategies for the next couple of years, a senior leader said.

In addition, discussions may also be held on Cabinet expansion, filling nominated posts, nomination of Minorities Welfare Minister Mohammed Azharuddin and Professor Kodandaram as MLCs, and Rajya Sabha nominations from the State, the leader added.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister is flying to Mumbai tonight and will travel onward to New Delhi on Wednesday night. A couple of Ministers are also scheduled to leave for the national capital on Wednesday evening.