Congress faces criticism over appointments of retired officials and political turncoats in Telangana

The Congress government in Telangana faces criticism for appointing retired officials and political defectors to advisory and nominated posts, allegedly deviating from its Udaipur Declaration. Several key appointments, including former bureaucrats and BRS leaders, have triggered political controversy.

Hyderabad: The Congress government is facing criticism for violating its own stated principles on appointments and political rehabilitation.

When it was in opposition, the Congress had objected to the appointment of retired officials to key posts with special designations. The party had also promised under its “Udaipur Declaration” that only one person from a family would be given party posts or government appointments.

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However, the government has continued to appoint retired officials and turncoat leaders to advisory and nominated positions, drawing criticism from various quarters.

The appointment of retired Andhra Pradesh irrigation official Adityanath Das as Irrigation Advisor had triggered criticism earlier. The government also appointed former Hyderabad Metro Rail Managing Director NVS Reddy as Advisor for Urban Transport.

Soon after the retirement of former DGP B Shivadhar Reddy, the government appointed him as State Security Advisor.

The Congress government has also come under scrutiny for appointing leaders who joined the party after leaving the BRS.
Former BRS MP K Kesava Rao was appointed Advisor on Public Affairs. His daughter and former Hyderabad Mayor Gadwal Vijayalaxmi was later appointed Chairperson of the Telangana State Women’s Commission.

Both Kesava Rao and Gadwal Vijayalaxmi joined the Congress after the party came to power in Telangana in 2023. Critics say these appointments contradict the party’s Udaipur Declaration.
Similarly, Banswada MLA Pocharam Srinivas Reddy, who defected from the BRS to the Congress, was appointed Agriculture Advisor to the State government.

Apart from criticism from opposition parties and other sections, some Congress leaders are also reportedly questioning the appointments and the deviation from the party’s stated principles.

Among the seven leaders appointed as Advisors in different departments, only Keshava Rao and P Sudarshan Reddy have been granted Cabinet rank.