Gandhi Bhavan whispers grow over surveillance on Ministers and CM’s movements

Buzz in Congress circles suggests heightened surveillance on select Telangana Cabinet Ministers amid recent controversies, reportedly at Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy’s behest, even as his extended US tour and lack of official updates fuel internal unease and political speculation

Hyderabad: In the wake of adverse reports against a few Cabinet Ministers, there is growing talk within Congress circles that close surveillance is being maintained over their movements, reportedly at the behest of Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy himself.

The Chief Minister is currently touring the United States after attending the World Economic Forum at Davos. Coinciding with this, TPCC president Mahesh Kumar Goud flew to New Delhi on Monday to meet AICC general secretary KC Venugopal, reportedly to discuss party affairs and related issues.

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Against this backdrop, there is palpable buzz in Gandhi Bhavan that surveillance on certain Cabinet Ministers has been stepped up. Following the Singareni tenders controversy, which triggered a political storm, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka held multiple press conferences to deny the allegations, including claims regarding the involvement of the Chief Minister’s brother-in-law. The episode, however, is said to have caused unease within the Cabinet.

Party insiders say the issue of surveillance was discussed even before the Chief Minister left for Davos. It is learnt that close watch is being maintained on select Ministers, with their meetings, both official and informal, being tracked, besides monitoring their convoys.

Usually, the Chief Minister’s foreign tours concluded within four or five days. However, Revanth Reddy’s current tour, which began on January 19, is expected to continue until February 1, adding to speculation within party ranks.

It may be recalled that last year, a senior Minister was reportedly taken aback after realising that his private conversations with another Cabinet colleague were reaching the Chief Minister’s Office in real time. In this context, party circles believe the present surveillance is more intensive.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister’s movements after the Davos conference have also sparked discussion among Congress leaders. While he concluded his Davos visit on January 22 and proceeded to the United States, there was no immediate official communication regarding his travel, nor were photographs or videos released by his office.

Typically, Congress leaders and supporters accord a public reception to the Chief Minister during overseas visits. However, no such official updates have been issued since January 22.

Though the Chief Minister’s Office on Monday evening released a press note stating that he had begun his ‘executive education’ programme at the Kennedy School at Harvard University, questions and speculation continue to circulate on social media.

“Shocking that Congress CM did not reveal pictures of his landing at USA. Generally, he is received by party workers at the airport. Did not meet overseas Congress activists last three days. What did CM Revanth and Robin do on 22, 23 and 24 at the costly Plaza Hotel in New York without meeting any Congressmen?” BRS spokesperson Manne Krishank asked on X.