Despite securing a clear majority in the recent assembly elections, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, who also presides over the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee, finds himself discontented with the party’s showing in key areas—specifically, the Greater Hyderabad region and the Medak Lok Sabha segment. The Congress party’s performance did not meet expectations in Greater Hyderabad, where it failed to secure any of the 24 seats. The Medak Lok Sabha segment witnessed a similar trend, with all party candidates facing defeat, barring India’s youngest MLA, Mynampally Rohith. His family’s significant influence in the region was evident, yet it was not enough to turn the tide in favor of the Congress party.
Medak, once represented by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, has remained under the steadfast control of the BRS for over two decades. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s aspirations to revive the Congress party’s former stature in Medak and counter the BJP’s growing influence are palpable. This is particularly crucial in Greater Hyderabad, where the BJP has demonstrated its prowess in both the Municipal Corporation and Lok Sabha elections. Reddy’s strategy includes halting the migration of BRS votes, as well as the party’s cadre and leaders, to the BJP.
In an surprising move, Chief Minister Reddy is considering a strategic cabinet expansion. Mynampally Rohith, who has made a mark as a first-time MLA, is being eyed for a cabinet position. His appointment, alongside his father, the seasoned politician Mynampally Hanumanth Rao, is anticipated to invigorate the party’s prospects in both regions.
Mynampally Hanumanth Rao’s political prowess is well-documented, having previously transformed the BRS party’s fortunes as the Greater Hyderabad District President, leading them from no representation to 99 seats in the 150-member Corporation. His tenure as the District President of the Telugu Desam Party in Medak is equally notable, where he stood as the district’s sole MLA for the majority of his eight-year service. His leadership was pivotal in maintaining the party’s relevance amidst the Telangana agitation and the ascent of the BRS (then TRS) in the district.
The relationship between Mynampally Hanumanth Rao and Revanth Reddy dates back to their tenure as MLAs with the Telugu Desam Party. Their subsequent roles—Revanth Reddy as the MP of Malkajgiri and Hanumanth Rao as its MLA—allowed the Chief Minister to witness Hanumanth Rao’s capabilities firsthand, solidifying his confidence in him. The AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, and prominent leader Rahul Gandhi have also expressed admiration for the Mynampallys’ contributions during the recent state assembly and Lok Sabha elections. They believe that introducing a dynamic young leader like Rohith into the fold will secure the party’s future for years to come. The Chief Minister and AICC’s strategy appears to be a calculated one, aiming to reclaim the Undivided Medak District and fortify their position in Greater Hyderabad. The potential induction of Mynampally Rohith into the state cabinet could be the linchpin in this ambitious plan.
