When BRS Chief KCR speaks, Telangana usually listens. Ministers, MPs and political circles tuned in with high expectations to the Warangal meeting as he finally addressed the state after days of anticipation. But what they got was far from his trademark fiery rhetoric. Instead, it was a basic, no-frills speech – no biting counters, no drama, no viral soundbites. The disappointment was sharper within the ruling party. Many in government circles were quietly expecting a hard-hitting address that would immediately push the Chief Minister into a counter-attack. But that didn’t happen. There was no counter-press meet. And soon, the political gossip mill started churning. The real analysis began – why was KCR so mellow? Who scripted this watered-down speech? Maybe to set the narrative, the top guys of Congress began whispering: “Was KTR himself behind this?”
Water woes hit where words flow
Even as ministers and officials wax eloquent about water kiosks and relief measures, the real crisis is playing out right under their noses, at their events and press meets. Reporters who turned up for Basaveshwar Jayanthi celebrations at Ravindra Bharathi had a hard time finding a simple glass of water. The Chief Guest was the Chief Minister himself. The irony peaked at the Secretariat during the NDSA press meet on irrigation – yes, irrigation – where not even a water bottle was in sight post the meeting. Forget about solving the state’s drinking water problems, it looks like getting water at government events itself is becoming a luxury. “Water, water everywhere… except where it’s most needed – when we are made to sit and hear speeches about water,” quipped a scribe after the parched experience. When speeches run longer than supply, thirst becomes the story.
Danam walks in, Anil Yadav walks out
At the Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s much-hyped press meet on caste census, it wasn’t just about numbers – it was also about chairs. With the location packed and many left standing, including Govt Whips, seating became a political game in itself. Rajya Sabha MP Anil Kumar Yadav had comfortably found his place until Danam Nagender made his grand entry. Protocol and seniority kicked in. Anil was politely nudged by an advisor to vacate his seat for the MLA. Ever the obedient party man, he quietly gave up his chair. But while Anil remained graceful, the visuals didn’t quite sit well. For media watching, it was awkward to see a parliamentarian giving up his seat in front of flashing cameras. After the Yadav family gave up the Secunderabad seat to Danam, now Anil too has to make way?
Bandi Sanjay, the lone TG leader, to wish KTR publicly
KTR may be down with a spine injury, but get-well-soon messages from Telangana’s political class are surprisingly thin. The BRS leader hurt his back during a gym session just days before the Warangal Sabha. Even while chatting with reporters, he ditched the comfy sofa and sat on a modest plastic chair, clearly wincing. Eventually, an MRI confirmed the issue and doctors advised him to undergo strict bed rest. As news spread, wishes poured in – but mostly from Andhra’s top brass on social media. Telangana’s political heavyweights, however, largely chose to stay silent. Only MoS Bandi Sanjay, who shares a Siricilla link with KTR, made it a point to publicly wish him recovery. Of course, being from the same Lok Sabha constituency and sensing the gravity of the situation, Bandi skipped the politics for once. The others? Either they didn’t think it was serious enough or preferred a private text.
I am answering, not scolding: Kishan Reddy
Telangana BJP president and Union Minister of Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy on Saturday clarified that he is not indulging in harsh remarks against Congress leaders, but merely responding to questions posed by reporters during media conferences. A journalist had pointed out that Congress leaders were alleging a change in his tone lately. “Kishan Reddy, known as a soft-spoken politician, seems to be scolding Congress leaders these days,” they remarked. Reacting to this, Kishan Reddy said firmly, “I am not scolding anyone. I am only answering the questions raised by scribes. If Congress leaders feel it is scolding, what can I do?” He further remarked that he has been responding only when necessary and in the context of the questions asked. Interestingly, during the same interaction, Kishan Reddy also made it clear that he would not entertain “waste fellows,” referring to certain Congress and BRS leaders, if reporters asked about them. He maintained that his approach remained respectful and insisted that his responses were often misconstrued as anger or harshness when in reality, they were only straightforward answers.
(Naveena Ghanate and Dr Kolishetty Venkateshwarlu)
