Revanth Reddy’s 2034 tenure remarks reportedly spark discontent within Telangana Congress

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy's repeated remarks about remaining in office until 2034 have reportedly sparked discontent within the Telangana Congress. Party leaders maintain that the Congress high command alone decides the Chief Minister, citing Kerala and Karnataka as recent examples.

Hyderabad: Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy’s repeated assertions that he will remain in office till 2034 have not gone down well with the Telangana Congress leaders.

While interacting with teachers at MCRHRD on Thursday, the Chief Minister once again said he would continue in office till 2034. He has been making similar claims repeatedly over the past two and a half years.

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His repeated assertions have triggered dissent within the Telangana Congress. Several leaders point out that the party high command decides who becomes Chief Minister, while the State unit can only make recommendations.

They cite the recent appointment of the Chief Minister in Kerala. After the UDF’s victory, there was intense lobbying for the post among VD Satheesan, Ramesh Chennithala and KC Venugopal. Supporters of the leaders held demonstrations, put up flexi boards and ran campaigns to back their candidates.

The Congress high command held several rounds of discussions with senior leaders and sought their views. The process continued for more than 10 days before VD Satheesan was chosen.

A similar situation unfolded in Karnataka. There was an understanding that the current Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah would hold the post for two and a half years each. After Siddaramaiah completed his two-and-a-half-year term, a section of the party demanded that DK Shivakumar be made Chief Minister as promised by the high command.

Even then, there was uncertainty for a few days as the AICC took time to announce its decision.

Against this backdrop, Revanth Reddy’s repeated claims are drawing strong reactions within the Telangana Congress. Party leaders argue that the AICC alone decides who becomes Chief Minister.

A senior leader from Gandhi Bhavan said the Chief Minister’s repeated assertions appear to undermine the aspirations of other senior leaders. He said the Congress functions democratically and no one can demand or insist on any position, including that of Chief Minister.

“More so, such statements affect the morale of other leaders. Ultimately it is teamwork with which the party wins elections,” the senior leader said.

When Revanth Reddy made similar assertions in the past, Munugode MLA Komatireddy Rajgopal Reddy had reacted strongly. In 2025, he posted on X that loyal Congress leaders could not tolerate such claims. “There is a system in the party to elect a Chief Minister,” he had said.

The episode had triggered a row within the party. However, a section of leaders sought to play down the issue, saying the Chief Minister had merely expressed the expectations of the people.