HYDERABAD: Kodangal MLA and firebrand leader Anumula Revanth Reddy joined the Congress officially on Tuesday, after a fortnight of intense political speculation and activity. But the road map for his exit from TTDP and entry into the Grand Old Party was laid almost a year back, said sources. According to them, it was the ‘young brigade’ of party vice president Rahul Gandhi who made the passage smooth.
The State Congress committee leaders were also in the loop and the high command in Delhi is understood to have given the green signal after weighing the pros and cons.
Sources say Rahul Gandhi is in touch with a set of young leaders in Telangana, as in other States, who keep him updated on developments in the state unit. The young brigade, it is learnt, believes that senior leaders are not in a position to steer the party through 2019 polls, primarily due to differences between them.
They narrowed down on Revanth for his vitriolic attacks on the TRS and particularly Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao. They feel that Revanth has the image required for a State-level leader. It was this youth brigade that got in touch with Rahul and proposed the induction of Revanth to boost the party’s prospects, added sources.
“The young leaders aren’t able to get along with seniors due to differing opinions and views on various issues. They want a dynamic leader who can lead the party and secure its future,” said one source.
Once Rahul was convinced, senior party leader and former minister from TS S Jaipal Reddy, also a relative of Revanth, was given a hint of the development. “Since he had no objections, party chief N Uttam Kumar Reddy was also informed,” sources said.
Several Congmen worried
Revanth Reddy joined TDP and outshadowed senior leader and former minister Nagam Janardhan Reddy in Mahbubnagar and went on to become a leader to reckon with in the entire district in no time. Reddy left the party and joined BJP. Many Congress leaders are now worried that they might face a similar fate.