Though it became apparent shortly after the assembly election results in Telangana that Pradesh Congress Committee president A Revanth Reddy was the frontrunner for the chief minister post, there were efforts to prevent him from securing the coveted position until the last moment.
According to highly placed sources, former Congress legislature party leader Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka initially lobbied for the chief minister post but withdrew from the contest without much ado.
On the other hand, firebrand Congress leader and Bhongir MP Komatireddy Rajgopal Reddy also opted out of the race well in advance, stating that Revanth Reddy deserved to be the chief minister.
However, former PCC president and Nalgonda MP N Uttam Kumar Reddy reportedly made attempts until the eleventh hour to pitch himself for the chief minister post, citing his experience as the most seasoned among all leaders.
Sources said Uttam Kumar Reddy tried to influence the Congress high command through the Reddy lobby, including individuals from Andhra, claiming that he was the most deserving candidate.
He sought support from influential Reddy industrialists and infrastructure heads, stating that he could safeguard their interests.
However, the Reddys, though sympathetic towards him, made it clear that Revanth Reddy had put in more hard work than any other leader, taking the entire party campaign on his shoulders.
“The high command has observed that, and the people also see him as the next best alternative to Bharat Rashtra Samithi president K Chandrasekhar Rao. So, it is better for Uttam Kumar Reddy to remain silent for now and not create any troubles either for Revanth or the party, lest it would damage their own prospects,” the Reddy community reportedly conveyed to him.
They reportedly warned that any signs of revolt within the party at this stage would only benefit the BRS, allowing them to take advantage of the situation and potentially split the Congress in the coming days. This led Uttam to go silent, sources said.
