The induction of Bharatiya Janata Party MP from Secunderabad G Kishan Reddy into the Union cabinet as a minister of state for home affairs is believed to be a strategic move to expand the party in Telangana.
According to party sources, BJP national president Amit Shah has specifically chosen Kishan Reddy as a deputy in his ministry for two reasons: first, the party wants to garner the support of Reddys in Telangana, who are waiting for an opportunity to counter the Telangana Rashtra Samithi headed by K Chandrasekhar Rao, a Velama.
In fact, the Reddys are traditionally supporters of the Congress party. The fact that three of the MPs who got elected from the party in the just concluded Lok Sabha elections are Reddys indicate that the community is getting consolidated against the TRS.
However, since the chances of the Congress party recovering at the Centre and also at the across the country are very bleak even after five years, the BJP is of the view that the Reddy community might tilt towards the saffron party. So, giving the home portfolio to Kishan Reddy is part of appeasing the Reddys of Telangana.
Secondly, the party is planning to promote Kishan Reddy as the face of the party in Telangana in the next five years. So far, the BJP does not have a leader of adequate stature to take on KCR. The party is of the view that by next elections, KTR would lead the TRS in the elections and so, Kishan Reddy could be the ideal choice for the CM post. The next battle, thus, would be between Reddys and Kammas.
Reports in the national media suggest that Kishan Reddy, who is a close confidant of Amit Shah, would be able to help expanding the party in the state by luring potential leaders from the Congress and the TDP in the coming days.
At any cost, the BJP wants to grow as a potential alternative to the Telagnana Rashtra Samithi by next assembly elections in 2023.
