Revanth Reddy’s sudden fondness for late PJR raises eyebrows in Jubilee Hills

CM Revanth Reddy’s sudden praise for late P Janardhan Reddy and promises of a statue and development in Borabanda have raised eyebrows in Congress circles, given his earlier backing of rival MLA Danam Nagender over PJR’s daughter Vijaya Reddy.

Hyderabad: Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy’s sudden display of admiration for former CLP leader late P Janardhan Reddy (PJR) has surprised residents and even some Congress leaders in the Jubilee Hills constituency.

At a rally in Borabanda on Saturday, the Chief Minister announced a slew of promises for film workers and assured large-scale development in the constituency with funds worth hundreds of crores. He went a step further and declared that the Borabanda crossroads would be named after the late leader.

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“A statue would also be established and I will personally unveil it,” Revanth Reddy said.

What has caught many by surprise is that it was the same Chief Minister who facilitated the entry of BRS MLA from Khairatabad, Danam Nagender, into the Congress, despite objections from P Janardhan Reddy’s daughter and Khairatabad Corporator, Vijaya Reddy.

The rift between the Khairatabad MLA and the Corporator has been evident for months. During a constituency-level meeting in June, supporters of both leaders clashed verbally and raised slogans against each other. In another instance, during the distribution of fine rice to the poor, Vijaya Reddy’s followers objected to the absence of her photograph on banners displayed at the event.

After long ignoring the discomfort faced by Vijaya Reddy, the Chief Minister has, in recent days, ensured that she is part of his campaign programmes across various parts of the constituency.

The Corporator’s supporters, however, remain cautious and are watching the Chief Minister’s new-found warmth with scepticism. Many wonder whether Vijaya Reddy will continue to enjoy the same attention and support from the Chief Minister once the bypoll results are out.