Hyderabad: With the MLC Graduates Constituency elections approaching, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy’s recent remarks have sparked debate within the Congress party. While addressing a campaign rally in Nizamabad, he downplayed the election’s significance, stating that the outcome wouldn’t impact the Congress government. However, he also warned that if Congress candidate Narender Reddy lost, it would mean the absence of a strong voice to raise public issues. His statement has surprised many within the party, especially at a time when Congress is grappling with internal tensions over the caste survey and its implications.

The caste survey, which was initially projected as a major political tool to secure Backward Class (BC) votes, has seemingly backfired. Several BC leaders have openly criticized the Congress leadership, arguing that the party’s handling of the survey and its promised 42% reservation policy lacks transparency. MLC Teenmaar Mallanna’s strong opposition to the survey, including his act of burning Revanth Reddy’s statement copy, has further fueled tensions. His comments against the Reddy community have led to disciplinary action, but they have also rallied BC leaders behind him. Many within the party now fear that this internal strife could negatively impact Congress’ performance in the upcoming polls.

Sensing the growing discontent, Revanth Reddy recently held a meeting with BC leaders in Hyderabad, seeking their support and urging them to promote the caste survey as a positive move. However, the situation remains precarious, as leaders like TPCC working president Anjan Kumar Yadav have openly expressed dissatisfaction with the party’s approach toward the Yadav community. This growing unrest within Congress suggests that the MLC elections could be a tougher battle than anticipated, potentially affecting the party’s long-term prospects in Telangana.