Mahesh Kumar Goud denies rift with CM Revanth Reddy

TPCC president B Mahesh Kumar Goud dismissed reports of surveillance and internal rifts, affirming cordial ties with Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy. He clarified that the newly formed AICC Coordination Committee is meant to strengthen party-government coordination, not create divisions.

Hyderabad: Rejecting speculation of differences within the Telangana Congress, TPCC president B Mahesh Kumar Goud asserted that he shares a cordial relationship with Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and dismissed reports suggesting the AICC-appointed Coordination Committee was creating a divide between the party and the State government.

Responding strongly to reports that the Chief Minister was keeping him under surveillance, Goud challenged those making the claims to release any supporting evidence.

---

“A section of the media has reported that the Chief Minister is maintaining surveillance on me. If there are any videos or audio clips, they should be released. What is this dadagiri (intimidation) and blackmail politics? I am not afraid,” he said.

Reiterating that he enjoys a cordial relationship with the Chief Minister, Goud said they speak over the phone every day and discuss all important issues. He was speaking to media persons in Hyderabad on Thursday.

Goud also objected to reports claiming that the AICC-constituted Coordination Committee was widening the gap between the Telangana Congress and the State government. The committee held its maiden meeting in New Delhi last week.

He said the committee was formed to discuss existing flagship programmes and consider new initiatives. It would also review shortcomings in government programmes by taking into account the views and suggestions of senior leaders. According to him, such a mechanism is a regular practice in the Congress.

Goud said all major decisions concerning both the party and the government would be taken with the committee’s approval. However, he clarified that this did not mean Chief Minister Revanth Reddy had to seek the committee’s approval on a daily basis.

“He has to respect the party’s opinions,” he said.

The AICC constituted the Coordination Committee in March this year to ensure smoother coordination between the Telangana Congress and the State government. The move followed complaints from party leaders over the lack of coordination between MLAs and Ministers, as well as between the party cadre and legislators.

The committee comprises Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy, Health Minister Damodar Rajanarasimha, Panchayat Raj Minister D Anasuya, CWC Special Invitee Vamshichand Reddy and AICC Telangana in-charge Meenakshi Natarajan.