Bomma Mahesh Kumar Goud, working president of the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) since 28 June 2021 and MLC since 22 January 2024, has played a significant role in integrating the old guard and the new guard in TPCC, resulting in its spectacular victory in the 2023 Assembly elections despite being a divided house.
In a conversation with Naveena Ghanate of The Pioneer, Mahesh Kumar looks back on his zamindari background, being featherbedded by his father in childhood, naxal attacks on his family, rise in the National Students Union of India, association with former PM P V Narasimha Rao and ex-CM of combined AP Y S Rajashekar Reddy, and more.
Born in dense forest area
I was born in a remote, densely forested village called Rahat Nagar in Bheemgal mandal on the border of Nizamabad District and Karimnagar District. My childhood was deeply rooted in the village, surrounded by nature’s wonders as well as occasional encounters with leopards, bulls, and hyenas, among other animals. However, my education took place predominantly in town, thanks to my father’s foresight in purchasing a house in Nizamabad solely for our educational purposes. I attended Nirmal Uday Convent School, St De Sales; then, studied in Government Junior College, and, eventually pursued a degree from Girraj College in Nizamabad. Academically, I had started off well, achieving first-class marks up to the 10th grade. Later, my focus shifted towards student politics and as I became deeply involved, there was a decline in my academic performance, particularly during my degree years. Initially, aspiring to become a doctor, I had opted for BPC. When people told me that it would be tough, I shifted to engineering. I joined a college in Maharashtra and then shifted to Nizamabad to pursue B. Com because I was weak in Mathematics. During my college days, I was vice president of the Girraj College Union and eventually entered mainstream politics, attracted by the Congress.
Father was a zamindar
We are four siblings: I have one elder sister, one younger brother and a younger sister. My father Gangadhar Goud and mother Manemma were well-off. My father, a zamindar hailing from a family of landowners, inherited ancestral property amounting to nearly 1,100 acres land in our village. Our primary occupation was agriculture, supplemented by my father’s role as a forest contractor. Being the village head, he was known as Patel. Although not directly involved in politics, he was deemed a member of the Congress. His political inclination influenced me greatly, especially considering his close association with senior leaders like Santosh Reddy, former minister.
A black belt in karate
I was one among the six persons who were awarded black belt in karate back in 1983. My journey in karate began after I was inspired by Bruce Lee’s iconic movie ‘Enter the Dragon’. I joined karate classes under the guidance of experienced instructors, facing rigorous training and numerous challenges. Former SP Srinivasan and later black belt Master Srinivasan (grandmaster for Okinawa Martial Arts Academy, Secunderabad) inspired me to pursue the art of self-defence. Despite the demanding physical rigours – multiple injuries, right hand broken three times and so on — I persevered and eventually attained the prestigious black belt, becoming one of the few to achieve this milestone. Now karate is sport allowing semi contact, but back then it was a martial art form involving full contact. Karate has remained a passion throughout my life. Today I am the president of the State Karate Association and Vice President of the Karate All India Organisation.
Father’s support important
In 1983, D Srinivas contested in the Assembly elections, for which I had campaigned as a novice of the Congress. I eventually became district NSUI president. But when it came to the question of my becoming NSUI state president, he started making calculations as his sons are of my age. He later discouraged me. So, I left the association and joined Sudhakar Reddy. For my state NSUI presidentship, Marri Channa Reddy, Sudhakar Reddy, Mukhul, Manshi Tiwari and Ramesh Chenithala encouraged me a lot. My father was interested in my entry into politics. He had seen many leaders and so encouraged me financially and with every kind of support. Of course, my journey began with active participation in student politics, eventually leading to significant roles within the party hierarchy, such as district president and later state president of the NSUI. Despite facing challenges and opposition at times, I remained committed to serving people and advancing the party’s agenda.
Naxal attacks
The turbulent period of 1989 due to naxalism was marked by severe adversity and threats to my family’s safety. Our house was attacked by naxalites. They seized our livestock and property, and distributed them as per jungle raj, while subjecting my father to brutal violence. In the face of such hostility, we had to move to Nizamabad. Naxalites attacked us because their policy is against the erstwhile zamindari system (abolished in 1951). I encountered top Naxalite leaders who had openly espoused their policy of targeting landlords. Tragically, my father succumbed to injuries sustained during an assault, further intensifying my threats perception. The situation escalated to such an extent that in their paper, Radical March, they publicly declared their intent to eliminate me. In 1990, recognizing the imminent danger, I was provided police security.
Opposed Congress CM
When I was the general secretary of NSUI, we gheraoed the premises in which (then TDP chief) N T Rama Rao and (former deputy Prime Minister) Devi Lal were hosted in Delhi. Police personnel of Haryana beat us. The Pioneer covered this protest extensively. Rajiv Gandhi visited us. Later, at his house, he was informed that I was being considered state NSUI president post. He said: ‘We will help you’. Later I became NSUI president. Nagam Janardhan Reddy, who was the chief minister (of combined AP) at the time, was very close to me. They introduced a law to allow the collection of capitation fees by medical colleges. They wanted me to organize a rally in support of the government because the opposition was making allegations. However, when I consulted with Manish Tewari, who was the NSUI national president at that time, he refused. He stated that as per NSUI national policy, they do not support capitation fees. So, I opposed the Chief Minister’s proposal. Even though he later offered to appoint me as the chairman of the Sports Authority, I declined because I could not support something that was against the stance of NSUI. Nagam even wrote a letter to Manish, asking him to remove me from the party. However, Manish stood by me, stating that I had fulfilled my duty according to policy. So, there were several such moments of opposition and resistance.
Narasimha Rao gave golden opportunity
I was actively involved in the race for the national NSUI president post. It was almost confirmed that I would secure the position. P V Narasimha Rao, who was the president of the AICC and also the Prime Minister at the time, personally announced in front of three ministers that he was appointing me as the national president. However, the Bombay blast of 1993 caused a delay in the process and they later decided to appoint a candidate from the minority community to the post. However, P V Narasimha Rao assured me that he would do justice at the appropriate time. In 1994, when I was just 26.5 years old, he fulfilled his commitment by offering me an Assembly seat –Ditchpally. Although I was not eager to contest, he insisted. Unfortunately, it was NTR wave no one except Suresh could win in Telangana, and I lost the elections. Nonetheless, P V Narasimha Rao’s promise stood, and he granted me the opportunity to contest again in 1994. Despite the loss, the experience of running for MLA at the age of 26.5 was invaluable for my ascent as a leader. In 1999, I was almost in the fray; however, there was a sudden change in plans orchestrated by local politics. After I had filed the nomination, I was asked by Y S Rajashekar Reddy to withdraw my papers. So, under pressure, I had to sacrifice that seat and extend my support to another candidate, Bal Reddy, who eventually lost.
Not in Congress for four months plus
I have worked with Marri Channa Reddy, Y S Rajashekar Reddy, Vijaya Bhaskar Reddy. Of course, out of the three, Channa Reddy was very close to me – I have filial regard for him. He encouraged me to a great extent and Vijay Bhaskar Reddy was known for honesty. I was close with Rajashekar Reddy; yet, because of the same coterie, he could not help me twice. He tried to accommodate me in the Council and promised a Rajya Sabha seat. But, again due to district equations, things did not work out. In 2004, when I was strong aspirant for Parliament, I had to quit the party for a short period. Then again district leaders played a negative role. No one was there to convince or even console me. So, I quit the party and joined TDP. Just after 4.5 months of my joining TDP, at a marriage function where I was sitting on the front row, YSR held my hands and said: ‘I have become Chief Minister. Still, you are not coming back to the party’. He then asked two MLAs to take me to Keshav Rao and re-admit me in the party. He wanted me to fight ZP chairman post. But D Srinivas was the PCC president. He was reluctant to give me the chance. On 21st of March, 2008 YSR told me to get ready to contest. But 23 March D Srinivas got appointed as PCC president. The same old story — he denied me a chance and gave it to some other lady. Several such incidents have happened.
Need to be lucky
In politics, we might be hard working and dedicated, but we need to be lucky as well. I was appointed as working president in 2021, thanks to extensive network of relations built since 1990. When Revanth Reddy joined six years ago and I was appointed president, there was opposition from many senior members. Convincing both Revanth Reddy and the seniors to align took considerable effort and had its share of challenges. Acting as a bridge between the seasoned Congress leaders and the emerging new generation, I played a crucial role in fostering unity. Fortunately, over time and with my persistence, everyone fell in line. As the election year approached, our unity strengthened. Despite internal differences, the democratic spirit within the party prevailed, leading to a cohesive front during the elections and we won.
Educational institutions, real estate
I have launched educational institutions, under the banner of Gautami College, starting in 1993. While they are run by our society, we ensure accessibility to all by offering concessions, particularly to those from disadvantaged backgrounds. This commitment extends beyond education; through our family foundation, we provide assistance to various segments of society. Malla Reddy, former vice chancellor of Osmania University, played a significant role in guiding us. With his support, we initially rented a building for a college in 1993. Later, we relocated to our own premises outside the city. My business ventures have seen ups and downs, including selling off significant portions of land over the years. I am also into real estate.
Getting married was a tough task
I tied the knot at the age of 30 in 1998. Finding a match was not easy due to the Naxal threat I had faced as the heir of a zamindar. Many potential matches were explored, but most of them fell though due to the perceived risk. Despite numerous disappointments, Sudhir Kumar, a former Youth Congress president, played a pivotal role in convincing my eventual match. My wife, Sandhya Rani, however, acknowledges that she took the plunge mainly because her parents encouraged it. She hails from a well-to-do family but embraced my background wholeheartedly. Together, we have been blessed with two sons. Our eldest Rithwik, born in September 1999, is pursuing his master’s degree in Melbourne. The younger one, Pranay, born in December 2003, is currently studying BBL at ICFAI University. Despite the challenges, I maintain a close and friendly relationship with both of them, as is the norm in modern times.
Quick bytes
Favourite colour – light blue but white has become uniform now
Do you watch movies – I watch only action movies. I also watched all movies of K Vishwanath
Favourite actor – Kamal Hassan is a natural actor.
Favourite politician- Rajiv Gandhi
Favourite food – fish.
Fav holiday destination – Dubai. But I love to travel in train with friends and family on a long journey.
Fav quotation- Everyone should do well and in that everyone I should be there.
Happy moment – When I became NSUI state president
Sad moment- My father wanted me to be NSUI state president but he passed away just a few days before I attained the position
An advice given to me – My father used to tell me that education is important – keep reading
